Spring Showers and Shadows

Spring is a time for new flowers, warmer weather, renewal and new growth.

But first, the snow must melt and inevitable the skies turn grey as snow turns to rain.  The lack of sun on these days tends to make me feel gloomy and restless.  And this can lead to visits from my shadow side.

This March held some major disappointments as well as the anniversary of my father's death.  I did not deny the feelings these events brought, nor did I let them dictate my decisions.  Instead I acknowledged their shadowy presence.  I stood in the shadow and saw clearly that in one direction it got darker and murkier well in the opposite direction it's edge was defined by light.  When I was ready, I chose to move toward the light.

I'm choosing to use the feeling of disappointment as fuel.  And the situations as opportunities for learning and growth.

I have not always been able to do this.  What was different this year is my intention to live my life creatively.  The disappointment became a creative challenge, and I accepted that challenge.  Like any challenge it isn't easy but the shadow is fading and the spark of creativity within is casting a brighter light.

Another helpful tip that I received from my coach #DawnKotzer is to release expectations.  This was reinforced in the April 2016 #Mindfulmagazine by an article entitled Feeling Moody? Here's Why that quoted #YaelNiv of Princeton University explaining that, "Happiness depends not on how well things are going, but whether they are going better than expected."

How do you overcome disappointment?  What ways has creativity made your life brighter?  Comment below, I'd love to hear what your experience has been.