Finding the Silver Lining

finding_silver_linings|Finding a Silver Lining|silver-lining

You’ve heard it said, “Every cloud has a silver lining.” We are certainly aware of the “clouds” these days, and even when we try to forget, we are quickly reminded. The term “silver lining” is a metaphor for optimism. It means that even a negative occurrence can have a positive aspect; and that in every bad situation, there is an element of good. Finding the “silver lining” can be more difficult, especially when we are still in the cloud. But it is there for us to see if we choose to look for it – and that can make all the difference!

“Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” – Confucius

Like you, I am:

Wondering how this started and, more importantly, when will it end? (cloud)
Experiencing loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic: loss of income, savings, social gatherings, and security. (cloud)
Feeling disappointed about what I’m missing. I was really looking forward to a trip to visit my precious granddaughters, attending the Houston Rodeo, and going to a Keith Urban concert! (cloud)
Struggling with so much change happening so fast. (cloud)

Surprisingly, I am also:

Getting creative, especially with how to do work without the comforts of my office building. We also had a Zoom video call with nine family members and made new memories! (silver lining)
Spending quality time. My husband and I made a list of 46 activities to do around the house to celebrate 46 years of marriage. The list includes playing ping pong, doing puzzles, dancing to our favorite song, and other things we don’t normally devote time to. (silver lining)
Accomplishing tasks that previously seemed impossible, like finding time to spring clean the deck and patio. Now, all done! (silver lining)
Feeling grateful for things I previously took for granted, like technology that allows us to be connected, supplies we need to stay safely at home, and being in this together with people who are close to me. (silver lining)

“A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties.” –Harry S. Truman

Studies tell us that negative information weighs more heavily on the brain and causes us to see the world through a negative lens.

“A man sees in the world what he carries in his heart.” – Johan Wolfgang von Goethe

But research also reveals the power of a positive mind. Brian Tracy says, “When a negative event occurs, remember that it’s your response that truly determines the outcome.” Strength comes when we focus on what we want, not on what we don’t want – what we can do, instead of what we can’t. Studies also show that it takes three positives to overcome one negative. That 3:1 ratio just means we may need to work harder to see the silver lining.

Ways to Find the Silver Lining:

Feel good about participating in the effort to slow the spread of the virus by following the CDC guidelines and state recommendations.
Enjoy time with your spouse/loved one. Create a list of things to do around your house together!
Cherish time with your children – appreciating each one and their specific uniqueness. (I bet you definitely appreciate their teachers even more now!)
Find peace in the slower pace. No traffic and no crazy schedules.
Dine around the table and enjoy some real “face” time!
Complete a project you haven’t had time to do.
Take the time for fitness, homemade food, and healthier choices.
Practice self-care and change your self-talk. (Remember that 3:1 ratio.)
Experience each present moment, being mindful of the positives in that moment.

Challenge yourself and your family members with these questions:

What has been the highlight of your days at home?
Where can you step back, and where can you step up?
What do you need to step away from? What do you need to step closer to?
What is one thing that you have had to change as a result of the shut-down that you will continue to do?
How can we at Wellview Health best support you in the weeks ahead?
What lessons can be learned from this experience?

“Change your thoughts and you can change your world.” – Norman Vincent Peale

As always, your Wellview Care Team is here for you and can help you find your silver linings during what can feel like a pretty cloudy time. We are thinking about you all!Click HERE to learn more about the Wellview services available to you. We can’t wait to work with you!