Looking on the Bright Side

In the normal course of everyday life,
there can be times when we may feel discouraged, disappointed or saddened.
We often have our mind set on something in particular which falls through,
making us feel let-down.

Allowing the difficult moment to pass, 
and creating the necessary space or distance between our emotional response
to an actual situation, allows us to dedramatize things as we see them in the moment.
In other words, letting the negative feelings fall way when things don't go as we'd hoped.
From that moment on, we're able to reconstruct a situation
without labelling it as good or bad.
Turn the page, rewrite the story, create something new and
accept what has happened, or in some cases, what has not happened.

This is all about looking on the bright side of things and adapting to new situations as they arise.

When I look at life, which is a mixture of light and shadows,
I can see that the shadows help us better see the light.

"The darker the night, the brighter the stars"
Fyodor Dostoyevsky

February is here with longer days and more light.
The florists are selling little pots of spring bulbs which bring joy into any home.
This last little narcissus flower smiled at me bringing me sunshine into my day.

Bunches of tulips are available in beautiful warm shades
just waiting to fill my prettiest vase.

and it's a joy to capture their lovely lines with my macro lens.

 These days, I'm watching four hyacinth bulbs develop in a little box.
I love these buds getting ready to unfold.

So happy soaking up the sunlight in front of the window

and opening a little more each day
bringing colour and happiness into my life.

Besides photography, crochet always puts me in a marvellous mood.
Joyful colours, the act of creating something new,
sometimes to make gifts, sometimes to decorate my little home.

I made this colourful heart-shaped wreath a couple of years ago.
Right now it's bringing cheerfulness to all who pass and also for me
every time I come home!

So if you're feeling just a little glum today,
for whatever reason,
just stand back from it all
breathe slowly and deeply
and create a new situation for yourself.
It works every time!


This time last year, it was snowing.
See HERE


27 comments

  1. Just EXACTLY what I needed to read this morning. I am always trying to choose the most balanced perspective. Lately, this has been a struggle! I love what you wrote and found it very uplifting this morning. Thank you!

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    1. Dear Marcie, I'm so glad these are the words you needed to read this morning! When we realize we have a choice in our reactions and attitude to most given situations, it gives us the tools to change things around!

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  2. It is also good to grieve (for a short period) something that doesn't happen or disappointment, but then it is time to take a step down a new path and see what happens, usually starting is the hardest part, but then good things come along.

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    1. I quite agree, Sarah. Going with a new unexpected situation instead of against it is the first step. After that, things seem to fall into place, often in a rather lovely way!

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  3. What a cheerful post, Sandra, and your photographs are beautiful!
    Happy Valentines Day.

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  4. Wonderful advice and I LOVE the heart!
    Sue
    xo

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    1. Thank you, Sue! The heart was such a joy to create!

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  5. Good Morning Sandra . . . what a lovely invigorating post and very valuable words to bear in mind for life's difficult moments.

    Have a wonderfully positive day. Those bulbs and flowers and your beautiful crocheted heart are bound to cheer anyone.

    Hugs, Sarn xxx

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    1. Thanks, Sarn! It's in the difficult moments that we seek the light the most! Being in nature, having flowers in the home and some colourful crochet time, or other craft, are all marvellous tools to get ourselves out of a provisional rut!

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  6. What a lovely crochet heart! And such lovely pictures!!!! Each one could be a wonderful picture-postcard. Guess my camera would need a better/another lens to enable me taking such beautiful close-up pictures (would come in handy with the tutorials)...
    Thank you for your inspiring thoughts,
    Marjan

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    1. Thank you, Marjan! I have to admit that I do rather love macro and close-up photography! I do however have a small point and shoot camera also and it isn't bad at all in quality, especially when I'm travelling and want to avoid weight!

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  7. What a beautiful post to read this morning! I love the way you brighten you're home with spring bulbs and a beautiful crochet heart. We all need those shadows in our lifes to help us appreciated the light. Enjoy your day!

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    1. So nice to see you pop in, Cathy! This time of the year, between winter and spring, is perfect for bringing those flowering bulbs inside! I do it every year. I've just had the most marvellous two days after an initial let-down and a disappointment at the beginning of the week. I just shuffled my priorities and created new and joyful situations!

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  8. Thank you for all this beauty and joy! Seems we've had a lot of shadow here in the US lately..I'm so hoping to see the light!

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    1. Thank you, Susan. There are times when the shadows seem to overwhelm us and it may seem that lighter, brighter days cannot penetrate the darkness. These are the times when we need to be patient and do the best we can on a personal level in the given circumstances. Each day is a new day and brings with it new possibilities and openings. Nothing remains the same forever.

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  9. Beautiful flower shots and even more lovely thoughts! You brightened my day.

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  10. Thank you, Fi. I am so glad your day has been brightened.

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  11. A marvellous post as always from your hand (and mind)....You brightened my day :-)
    and, I remember that day last year, or more correct I remember your post !
    Have a wonderful day and week !

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    1. Hello Lasse, always so nice to see you here! So you remember the posting of the snowstorm last year! It was so beautiful looking down from my balcony!

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  12. each image is so beautiful and fresh.
    perfect with the wisdom that you have shared.
    eye candy for sure.

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    1. Thank you, Tammie, for your visit and your kind comment. I love how we can find spring flowers in pots, or even plant them ourselves, to brighten up our homes during this month of February.

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  13. Beautiful post. Each time I read one of your posts - you brighten my day no matter what gets me down- you put us back into perspective of things. You are really a very talented woman! So poetic in your writing, have you ever consider writing books on poetry? Serious!! Or maybe you have..... xo

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    1. So lovely to see you visit and your friendly comment here!No I haven't ever considered writing books, but I do like writing, always have done since childhood!

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  14. These images are filled with joy and lovely light! Thank you for this uplifting gift!

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    1. So glad you found joy here, Susan. Light is so important, both for our cameras and for our morale.

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  15. Absolutely love that first photo- such gorgeous color tones! Also love your crocheted heart wreath!
    Kate :}

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