you won't rain on my parade

Let's just call a spade a spade. I live in a rainforest. Not the tropical, Hawaii rainforest - but a rain forest, none the less. Well, since I live in a rainforest, rain is to be expected and anticipated. Right? Right. However, it can definitely fucking suck, I wont lie...(or so I thought).

RAIN-COUVER ~ RAIN-COUVER ~ RAIN-COUVER

Yes, this is what they call Vancouver, because it's an extremely accurate description of the beautiful city.

Why?

Well...It rains. A lot!

Living here in the past, the rain used to really affect me. It would get me feeling super blue, lethargic, down and out. But now, not so much..

- - - - - Maybe it's the novelty of the new city, maybe it's the fact that it brought some humidity (I like the humidity because it's warm),or maybe it's because the temperatures were at a nice nearly 21 degrees while the rain storm was passing through.

I sat at a covered, coffee shop patio, reading and journalling. In stillness, I listened to the soft rain, while breathing in the crisp, earthy scents around me. - - - - -

It was breathtaking.

Those moments of rain-darkness are not long behind me. They certainly wont be gone forever, as its completely normal to be affected by the weather (some, like me, more than others). Those dark and lethargic emotions still try to creep into my conscious. However, I challenge them now.

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When I feel those emotions coming on, I ask myself:

Daniella, what are the benefits of the rain?

1. The rain is preventing forest fires, which doesn't just affect our air quality, but also puts the lives of others in danger.

2. The rain is the reason I love nature. It keeps the grass and trees beautiful and green. The colours of the earth are constantly vibrant, thanks to those (sometimes obnoxiously large) sprinkles.

3. It gives you an excuse to cozy up, get the house work done or finish the work you've been procrastinating.

4. It's the perfect way to rejuvenate your soul. Those rainy days call for some R&R. Bring on that rest and relaxation by listening to the soothing sound of the rain hitting the ground, around you. If you listen carefully, you'll still hear the birds. This to me - is magical.

5. It's good for everyone.

Crops, trees, plants, animals, humans, etc. It's good for everyone and everything.

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It really wasnt an easy habit to get into. It took - and still takes a lot of concious effort and mindfulness. However, its completely worth it. I'd much rather talk to myself and focus on the benefits, as opposed to being negative, sad and completely miserable in my own company.

Remember, you're with yourself every.single.day. So why not be with a kickass version of yourself?

Today, I challenge you to find the positives in the things that are beyond your control. Traffic, weather, missing a sale, missing the exit off the highway - whatever it is. I challenge you, find the positives. Find the alternatives.

I promise you, you'll be feeling much more grateful for those uncontrollable events.

xo

Dee