How To Find Your Silver Lining

How To Find Your Silver Lining

“Silver lining” is synonymous to the saying “look at the bright side”. It’s a hopeful or positive sentiment for a situation that may seem negative or bleak. It suggests that even in challenging or difficult circumstances, there is an opportunity for something good to come out of it. Amidst the overwhelming challenges of our world, finding joy can seem like an elusive task. But what if, even in the darkest moments, we could uncover glimmers of light buried beneath the weight of our struggles?

As a certified life and happiness coach, I’ve journeyed from a place of self-doubt and negativity to one of gratitude and resilience. Growing up, I battled low self-esteem and a constant fear of judgment from others. Infertility brought despair and isolation, contrasting with friends’ carefree outings. Amid tough decisions about my fertility journey, I opted not for self-pity but for a new perspective. Rather than dwell on negatives, I focused on the opportunities ahead. Grateful for blessings like a supportive family and medical access, I embraced the chance for IVF. It wasn’t until I embraced practices of gratitude, kindness, and self-care that I began to see the beauty in my life.

Learning to cultivate positivity amidst adversity is no easy feat, but it’s a journey that’s both attainable and transformative. Here’s how I navigated through tough times and found happiness even in the face of adversity.

1. Every Breath You Take
   Anxious thoughts can strike unexpectedly, affecting us all. By acknowledging these feelings and training our minds to stay present, we can regain focus. Find a comfortable spot, close your eyes, and begin by inhaling and exhaling. Mentally count “one” on each exhale, up to ten, restarting if your mind wanders. This mindfulness exercise is a valuable tool during crises, helping shift from anxiety to a more positive mindset, enabling better decision-making.
2. Choosing Gratitude
   Throughout the grueling process of IVF—filled with injections, failed attempts, and heartbreak—I clung to gratitude as my guiding light. While sympathy from others offered comfort, it was gratitude that fueled my resilience. Rather than dwelling on setbacks, I chose to celebrate the opportunities afforded to me.
   In the midst of adversity, I discovered the power of acknowledging silver linings and embracing hope. By actively seeking out moments of gratitude, even in the darkest of times, I found strength and solace.
3. Happiness is possible. Set it as a goal!
   Goal setting helps us think about the future and what we want and can accomplish to help us get out of our negative thinking. After making specific goals, make a checklist of steps to help you achieve them. By breaking them down into manageable pieces, you are more inclined to meet objectives and reach success. This practice can literally make you feel good; your brain releases organic chemicals like dopamine associated with pleasure, which in turn moves us towards being happier.

My personal journey through infertility inspired my mission as a happiness coach—to empower individuals to find joy and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Through my work, I encourage others to embrace their struggles as opportunities for growth and transformation. While my experience with IVF may pale in comparison to others’ hardships, it serves as a reminder that happiness is always within reach. As we navigate through life, let us lean into gratitude and resilience, finding our own silver lining in even the darkest of moments. I encourage you to practice gratitude and learn to find the silver lining in every situation, no matter how bleak the outlook is.

Happiness is always there.