Even with a sky full of clouds, we know the sun is still there…waiting to reveal itself.

“Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through for you…”

This song is one I’ve known as long as my memory can recall. I remember hearing it in movies, the radio, and cascading out in that silky, suave Nat King Cole voice. It’s one of those songs that makes you emotional, sad, happy, and reflective. Odd how the right combination of words and delivery can have that impact. Or maybe it’s just me?

Is there is anything in your life that stirs up a variety of emotions inside you? Most days, I’m tired and have no energy to do anything physical after work. Yet, despite the dread, I go to the gym after a long work day, knowing I’ll feel refreshed, have more clarity and a better attitude when I get home. Being a more anxious, introverted personality type, I get anxious over some social situations. Even those that I logically know will leave me feeling appreciative of the friendship and connection with that person.

I can sometimes go into the situation with mixed energies and a hesitant disposition, all the while knowing I’ll go home feeling happy if I ignore that pesky, worrisome voice that sometimes echoes in my brain. A few years back, I took a portrait sketching class after work. I really enjoyed drawing, had some natural ability, but really yearned to learn additional techniques. Before I went to my first class, wow. I was a wrecking ball, crashing through the unknown walls of anxiety. Alas, I went to the first class and felt so excited, hopeful and proud of myself.

For the most part, we all have experienced buying a big bag of apples and once we open it, some apples taste sweeter, more fresh and more delectable than anything you can call to mind. Yet, sometimes in that same bag, there’s various bruised apples or some that may look perfectly red and untarnished, but once bitten into, taste of grainy, flavorless flesh. With good, comes bad, and bad, good. It’s almost always worth the taste of a few bland bites in order to have that nibble of sugary, pleasant morsels that reveal themselves. Even with a sky full of clouds, we know the sun is still there…warm and waiting to reveal itself.