Every cloud has a silver lining

The song, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, is all about dreams coming true, waking up with the clouds behind you. To see that amazing rainbow, you need clouds; to experience the silver lining, you need the rain.

Several friends and students have mentioned “silver lining” experiences to me over the last few weeks, which is what inspired me to write this.

My friend Rogerio is back in Brazil on business and will be there for several months due to the quarantine. Consequently, he is staying with his father. He is spending more time with his father than he has since he lived at home in his youth. There is a good possibility that he will never have the opportunity to spend so much time close to his father again.

A friend told me that he and his partner have been a couple for more than 20 years, but in the last three months, they have been together (not more than 100 feet apart) consistently. They had never spent time together so consistently since they have been together. They are amazed at having the opportunity to realize how much they appreciate one another’s company.

Another friend told me that thanks to COVID, his finances are more stable! Reason? There are just no reasons to spend money like they were doing before. When I heard this, I realized, yes; I am spending a lot less money than I would normally. Consequently, my bank account is stable despite the horrific fluctuations in the markets.

Yet another person I know reports, now that since he is working at home full time, his day is much improved. The nearly 4 hours a day required to commute to and from work are now hours he can spend with his wife and children. This situation makes him very happy as the family is one of his most important values. What silver lining comes to your mind? What dreams are your nurturing during this time?

If you need some inspiration, listen to Isreal Kamakawiwo’ole sing Over the Rainbow. I loved this song from the first time I heard it when I was living in Hawaii. Every time I listen to it, I experience a “silver lining” moment.

If you are having a hard time seeing a silver lining, perhaps you have forgotten your dreams.