Every cloud has a silver lining—one that often surprises us with a rainbow, offering wonder, hope, and strength.
I feel incredibly blessed to have rainbows in my life that illuminate me, even when the skies are clear. The best teachers of this perspective are children—especially those who have turned darkness into light. Children who have faced adversity yet continue to shine, thrive, and push themselves to be their best remind us, as adults, of the infinite potential we sometimes forget in the boundaries we place around ourselves.
My children have been my greatest teachers—far surpassing any degree, certification, or job experience. They’ve been my pillars of strength. My right hand and left hand, each taking turns to hold me up when I needed them most. They’ve had to grow up faster than they should—learning to navigate their emotions and the turbulence brought on by my life’s setbacks, all while facing the harsh realities of middle and high school. They’ve encountered indifferent teachers and peers who cared too much, choosing cruelty and bullying over kindness and support. Together, we rode life’s waves—through storms and even tornados—and yet, here we are. Still standing tall, making our rainbows.
The Power of Perseverance
Recently, my daughter taught me one of life’s greatest lessons: that becoming is the most powerful goal to manifest. She set her sights on a dream and put everything she had into achieving it. As an observer, I watched her blossom—nurturing her strengths, flipping through each chapter of her life with grace, and turning moments of darkness into light. She persevered, and she won.
Talk about silver linings and rainbows—what truly stood out was that she made it happen. She chose herself. Not the girls who made her cry. Not the moments of loneliness or abandonment. She took control, painted her canvas, and wrote her own story—a story vibrant with rainbows.
Witnessing Strength in Others
I’ve also had the privilege of working with a dear friend and her nonprofit, an organization dedicated to helping young girls rescued from trafficking. These girls are learning to embrace their authentic selves, to listen to their own voices, and to become the loudest voices in the room.
Their stories are heartbreaking, yet they show up every week with kindness, respect, and the brightest smiles—smiles that radiate hope and love. I stand in awe of them.
Though their lives are so different from my daughter’s, they share one powerful thing in common: the courage to find silver linings in the darkest moments. Their big hearts, their drive, and their relentless ability to rise above their circumstances inspire me endlessly.
How to Find Your Silver Linings
In life’s storms, it’s not always easy to see the light—but silver linings are there, waiting to be uncovered. Here are some actionable steps to help you find and embrace the silver linings in your life:
Pause and Reflect - Take a moment to step back and breathe when you’re facing adversity. Ask yourself: What can I learn from this experience? Journaling your thoughts can help shift your mindset from “Why is this happening to me?” to “What is this teaching me?”
Shift Your Perspective - Look for something positive, no matter how small. Reframing challenges can help you find gratitude in difficult times. Ask yourself: What’s one good thing that has come out of this?
Take Inspired Action - Set a small goal that moves you forward, even if it’s just one step. Progress can help rebuild hope and momentum. Celebrate small wins, as they can illuminate your path forward.
Surround Yourself with Positivity - Spend time with people who lift you and inspire you. Seek out stories of resilience, hope, and success to remind yourself that you’re not alone. Limit exposure to negativity—whether it’s news, toxic relationships, or self-doubt.
Practice Gratitude Daily - Focus on what you do have rather than what you’ve lost. A daily gratitude practice can train your mind to notice the good in your life. Write down three things you’re grateful for every day, even if they’re small.
Help Others Find Their Rainbows - Sometimes, the best way to heal or grow is to help others. Acts of kindness can remind you of your strength and purpose. Volunteer, mentor, or simply show up for a friend in need.
Visualize Your Future with Hope - Take time to imagine a positive outcome, even when things seem bleak. Visualizing your “silver lining” can be a powerful motivator. Ask yourself: What would it look like if everything worked out? Write it down or create a vision board.
The Shared Journey of Women
As women, we face challenges, expectations, and heartbreak that can feel overwhelming. We have so much to give, and yet society constantly tries to pull us down. It’s a fight—a relentless battle against conforming to expectations that limit us. But in this fight, there are silver linings and rainbows.
We are resilient. We rise. And we write our own stories.
Finding Your Rainbow
In every challenge lies a silver lining waiting to be discovered. And sometimes, if you look closely, you’ll find a rainbow—a promise of light, color, and hope on the other side.
Let’s learn from our children, from the young girls who rise above unimaginable hardships, and from each other. Let’s persevere, embrace our authentic selves, and manifest the lives we dream of.
Because no matter how dark the clouds are, the sun always shines again. And when it does, the sky will be full of rainbows.
