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How to Keep the Sunshine in Your Life, Even When It’s Gray

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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Hampton U chapter.

We’ve all been there: waking up to overcast skies, feeling like we’re carrying the weight of the world, and wondering how we’re going to manage to smile throughout the day. It’s simple for depressing weather, difficult circumstances, or even a terrible mood to take over. However, what if we told you that regardless of the weather, you can maintain the sunlight in your life?

It all begins with a change in viewpoint. In Ecclesiastes 11:7, the Bible reminds us that “the sight of the sun is pleasing to the eyes and light is sweet.” Everything seems simpler, more cheerful, and brighter when the sun is shining. However, what occurs when life becomes burdensome or the clouds roll in? At that point, we must be resourceful and figure out how to let that sunshine in—no matter what’s happening around us.

Start with Gratitude

Developing an attitude of thankfulness is one of the finest strategies to maintain the sunlight in your life. Consider your blessings, even on the days when you want to stay in bed. Whether it’s a delicious cup of coffee, a supportive buddy, or even the basic pleasure of life, there’s always something to be grateful for. Concentrating on the good is similar to opening a window to allow in natural light.

Surround Yourself with Positivity

Make sure you surround yourself with positive energy because it’s been said that you become like the five people you spend the most time with! Choose optimism from your friends, family, and even positive social media accounts. You’ll soon discover that the sunshine inside of you is brighter than ever since positive energy spreads easily.

Create Moments of Joy

It all comes down to those small moments. Enjoy a tasty snack, go on a stroll, or watch your favorite feel-good film. These modest self-care activities can have a profound impact on your mood and serve as a reminder that happiness is not dependent on ideal circumstances.

Creating moments of joy is all about being intentional. It’s about carving out time for yourself, no matter how small, to do things that bring you happiness. Whether it’s lighting a scented candle, enjoying a cup of tea while reading a good book, or dancing around your living room to your favorite song, those moments of joy remind you that you’re in control of your happiness, no matter the weather. These little acts of self-care have the power to lift your spirits and create a ripple effect of positivity that lasts long after the moment has passed.

Embrace the Storms

And remember, rain and storms are part of the journey. Sometimes, we need the rain to appreciate the sunshine. Embrace the tough days, knowing that better days are ahead. As Ecclesiastes teaches, the sun will shine again, and when it does, you’ll be ready to bask in its warmth, stronger and brighter than before.

Just like nature needs rain to help plants grow, we need those tough days to help us grow stronger, wiser, and more resilient. The Bible’s words in Ecclesiastes remind us that, “Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun,” but it also teaches us that the sun can’t shine without the rain. Sometimes, it’s in the dark clouds, the unexpected challenges, and the moments of discomfort that we discover our inner strength. These storms help us build the kind of character that makes the sunshine that much more meaningful when it finally breaks through.

Take a deep breath and remember to preserve the sunshine in your heart the next time the skies appear gloomy. It is constantly present and ready to give light to the world around you. 

Jasmine Brockington is a third-year Journalism Major with a minor in cinema studies from Richmond, Virginia. She is a strong advocate for awareness of health in Black Women, mental health, beauty, and expressing her opinion on real-life topics. Jasmine loves to write, read, and work out at the gym. In her free time, she also enjoys writing poetry and journaling while listening to music.