Rain, Traffic And Power Outages… Not Always A Bad Thing!

It’s been raining non-stop most of this week, and I loved it. The cool weather, the fresh smell in the air, the soothing sound of raindrops on the roof, what’s not to love? Plus, there’s the added bonus of dry rivers flowing again, full dams and the promise of a good harvest.

Let’s be honest, though! Continuous rain also comes with its fair share of inconveniences. Children’s school extra mural activities were canceled all week! Kids were stuck indoors, and that’s when the screen time battles began. And please don’t get me started on traffic, because somehow, the moment it rains, as drivers we seem to collectively lose our ability to drive! And of course, with that much rain, the electricity outages follow. Always. Without fail!

But even the rain has its lessons.

1. Every blessing has its burdens
The rain is amazing, but it also causes disruptions. Every great opportunity often comes with its own set of challenges. A promotion means more responsibilities and therefore more work. You want that blessing, be prepared for the work that comes with it. Starting a business gives you ‘freedom’ but also financial uncertainty. So what is the lesson? Learn to embrace both the sunshine and the storm.

2. You can’t control the rain, but you can carry an umbrella
We can’t stop the rain from falling, but we can prepare for it. Power outages? Get a backup light. Kids restless indoors? Have a plan B, like encouraging them to read a book or to play with their toys. This sounds easier on paper than in real life so be prepared. Traffic nightmares? Leave earlier or work from home if you can. So what is the lesson? Things will sometimes go wrong, but being proactive can make all the difference.

3. Not all delays are bad
Yes, traffic jams that worsen when it rains are frustrating. But sometimes, being forced to slow down is good for us. Stuck in the traffic, I listened to my favourite podcast and had a moment to reflect and just breathe. We are often in a hurry to get to the next thing, next job, next level, next big move. But sometimes, the delay is part of the process. So what is the lesson? Use your waiting times well.

4. Resilience is built in the rain, not in the sunshine
Every challenge forces us to adapt, innovate, and grow. If the power didn’t go out, we wouldn’t invest in backup solutions. If extra murals weren’t canceled, we wouldn’t get creative about keeping the kids entertained. So what is the lesson? Setbacks, missed opportunities and failed projects are often the rain that forces us to innovate and come up with new solutions.

5. Some things are just out of your control
You can check the weather forecast, leave early, have a plan B… and yet, the rain will still do what it wants. Life works the same way. Not every problem is fixable. Not every situation is within our control. So what is the lesson? Learning to accept what we can’t change without losing our minds is vital.

6. After the rain, everything feels fresh
No matter how long it rains, the sun eventually comes out. It had been raining non-stop for the past six days, but we eventually saw the sun yesterday! Right now, everything feels cleaner, fresher, and renewed. Tough seasons  in life don’t last forever. When things get overwhelming, remember, it won’t always be like this. The sun will shine again. That’s the lesson!

7. Sometimes, you just have to dance in the rain
There are two types of people, those who complain about the rain and those who make the most of it. Life can be messy, unpredictable, and sometimes things happen at the most inconvenient time. But joy is often found in the little moments of acceptance. So, when life pours, look for pockets of joy! Wear your boots, jump into a puddle, and make the best of where you are.

Pictures from my mother of her bumber harvest and reports of dry dams filling up had me forget the minor inconveniences I was experiencing.  So the next time it rains, let’s take the good with the bad, adjust where we can, and maybe, just maybe, dance in the rain while we’re at it.

Gratitude: This week I am grateful for the rain. 😊

Gratefully