There is Always a Silver Lining

When things are going well, we are never thinking about a silver lining. But, when things don’t go as we expect, we are searching for that nugget, that sign, that silver lining.  Is there always something larger than what we see in the moment? Is it delusional or wishful thinking? Is it reality? What is a silver lining?

Positive thinking is very powerful. Scientifically, theories are constantly being tested, applied and proven to help cure and strengthen the human body and mind through positive thinking and laughter. Isn’t it natural to find the good in every situation? Well not for everyone and not all the time.  Seeing the good doesn’t always happen in the moment, but it can. The choice can be ours.  We can go into every situation, feeling if it doesn’t go our way, that it’s bad, wrong, or someone else’s fault and no way will it ever be good. And, in the moment, it often feels that way. We focus on its lack of alignment with our lives, our dreams, our hopes. We share the negativity in our words and actions with friends and those we don’t even know.  Maybe for a short time or maybe for a very long time.

Conversely, we can take the “cup is half full” attitude, take a deep breath, and make a conscious decision to accept the outcome and move forward to find good in the situation and to help others find that good as well. Not easy, but doable, if we want to live a more positive, fulfilled and happy life. We do sometimes resent people who are “always happy’ or “up” and feel they live in “lala land”.  But, maybe, just maybe they are able to process the negative, leave it behind and move forward harnessing a nugget that came out of the negative – the silver lining. The unknown factor that you couldn’t have predicted, that you didn’t see coming, but that now is your guide as you move forward.

I just finished working on a program on resilience.  I listened to the stories told by powerful speakers whose lives changed in a second, with no warning and how it took them awhile, but they were able to find that good, to move forward in ways they never expected and to share their gratitude for the support that helped them rise above and change their life.

This morning it was hard to see that silver lining. But, I do believe it’s there.   Lives will change, but how we deal with it, is what will make it work for us or not.  We can harness the positive, and move forward. I feel so fortunate to have amazing friends, family, and colleagues, live in a great place, and am surrounded by creative, gracious and smart people that inspire me everyday. I love what I do and I believe in silver linings.

With Gratitude,

Caryn S. Saitz
Founder and President
Global Corporate Retreats
Creative Strategic Solutions
csaitz@globaleventsandretreats.com