Today is a great day and yet, we all know that not every day is spectacular. Some are more terrific than others, and some more challenging, perhaps even upsetting. Remaining positive when our day is downhill is not always easy. Most of us tend to cave in the direction of the slide, losing momentum and perhaps even shutting down briefly while we process the events that we perceive to be not up to our expectations. So, how can we stay focused on the positive no matter what kind of day we are having? Creating a mental rainbow is the answer!
Actual rainbows appear after a storm has passed. Magical, they are nature’s way of transitioning from one thing to another. Their beauty stands out not only because of their array of colors, or our intrigue with how rainbows happen in the first place, but because they follow rain and weather that we have a negative association with. Rainbows teach us about patience. They reward us with their aura only if we are willing to wait. They burst forth from less desirable weather, reminding us that even when we are being put to the test, there is always the ability for the sun to shine, for something beautiful and powerful to happen.
Creating a mental rainbow allows the sun to shine through even the stormiest day. In doing so, your own mental snapshot or imprint of a rainbow creates something personal that you can uniquely take forward everyday. A mental rainbow is an energy shot that can be prescribed as needed in multiple ways.
Find the highlight of your day. Everyday has at least one. It may be a loved one doing something special, a personal best, an achievement at work, or time with your pet. Focus on that highlight. What made it a success? How did it make you feel? This becomes your mental rainbow. Now string those highlights together like a strand of pearls. Every color blending together, one for each day of the week. Stringing the highlights of our week together connects the possibilities, celebrates the successes, and allows us to focus on the positive. Come back to your mental rainbow when you need an energy boost. See the colors in front of you.
Color adds spice and variety to life. One of the reasons we are mesmerized with rainbows is because their colors call to us. Color can transform our moods, inspire us, and infuse happiness into an otherwise gray day. Create a mental rainbow with the colors in your life. Raining out? Wear a bright color. Important meeting? Go for a power color, at least as an accent. Want to feel at peace, use calm and warm colors in your bedroom or office. Color creates a mental rainbow that we can each choose for ourselves. The results are naturally uplifting contributing to a brighter mood and a more positive attitude.
Transition is hard work. Rainbows represent a spectrum of light and promise. A rainbow is symbolic for movement of opportunities from one area of our lives into another. When a rainbow appears after a storm, it is similar to our own ability to take the good with the bad. To accept the fails in order to appreciate the wins.
Draw a rainbow using markers or crayons. If you are not artistically inclined, print one. Now, picture each of the 7 colors in the arch of the rainbow as offering a distinct promise. A promise you make to yourself everyday. This is your mental rainbow. Maybe orange is happiness—and by extension represents in your mind’s eye what would make you happy. Then maybe blue is calmness and serenity. What makes you calm? Make sure you include a dose of that in your day. Continue through the rainbow and jot down what each color represents to you and the significance of that color to you personally as you develop and tweak your mental rainbow. There are no wrong answers. Creating a mental image of what a rainbow, and the colors in it represent to you, allows you to use that image and the 7 colors within to shine new light and perspective in regard to the transitions in your life. In so doing, they create a personal light show and mental illustration that you can use as needed!
Randi Levin, CPC, CEO & Founder Randi Levin Coaching-- is a transitional life strategist, author, speaker, and reinvention expert. She holds a BS Degree in Journalism from The University of Maryland and a professional coaching certification from Ipec Coaching. She believes that we have the choice and the power to create our own legacy every day. Randi is a contributor and featured expert for Huffington Post, Identity Magazine, and PowHER Network. She is a co-author in the new book Get RESULTS! This toolbox for change is an anthology collection empowering readers to embrace driving their own personal and professional destiny.
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