Cup of Inspiration

Today, April 22^nd, is April Showers Day in the United States. Today we reflect on those rainstorms that are very much a part of our days this time of year.

Perhaps today you are experiencing one of these April showers. Perhaps it’s a sunny day. Whatever today’s forecast for your area is, the occasional rainstorm is not an unusual occurrence during the spring season.

You may dread that rain in the weekly forecast. The rain can have a real impact on traffic getting to work. If you must walk or ride a bike as part of that commute, that rain is probably the last thing you need. Rain can make it a messy day, where you are stuck inside, limiting your options to escape your desk for a break. That short walk in the fresh air during a morning break will have to wait till the next sunny day.

A rainy day can bring down your mood, but only if you let it. There is another way to look at it.

Remember the phrase “April showers bring May flowers?” That rain brings you short-term discomfort but will also provide the much-needed water for those flowers that you enjoy on those walks. Without the dreaded rain, those much-anticipated flowers would not appear.

In life, we dread those rainstorms. A layoff at work, losing out on a promotion, or not winning that bid for your business is hardly something you will celebrate at the time. “Why me, why now?” you’ll ask. It is hard to see past the current storm.

However, when the storm ends, and the sun comes out, we appreciate the results of that rain. The fresh flowers and clean air will lift your mood. This works in life as well. Being laid off or passed over for a promotion may be just what was needed to help you see other opportunities before you. Maybe that lost bid for your business means you’re now open for another client that will be a better fit.

The next time you get some good news, such as a job offer or a raise, think about what rainstorms helped you get to that point. We don’t grow in comfort zones. We grow when the rain moves in.