How do you handle disappointment? Today, I share 3 metaphors and a bonus question that give you a positive perspective on disappointment.
ON THIS EPISODE:
Disappointment comes and goes. How you handle it makes all the difference in the world.
These metaphors can help change your perspective:
- “Every cloud has a silver lining”
It comes from Milton’s “Comus,” – like a play performed in the courts of kings and princes. The silver lining is the light of the moon shining from behind the cloud.
“Was I deceived? or did a sable cloud
Turn forth her silver lining on the night?
I did not err, there does a sable cloud,
Turn out her silver lining on the night
And casts a gleam over this tufted grove.”
The idea is that while the cloud of defeat might rain on you, somewhere there is an opportunity. Maybe it’s simply a learning that will help you with the next challenge.
When disappointed, ask, “Where can I find beauty in this?”
- “Life is like a train track”
From Pastor Rick Warren. Joy and sadness are alway present in your life. Sometimes, the situation pushes you to lean more on the sadness side. Sometimes, you are leaning on the joy side. The positive perspective in this is that even when you’re disappointed, joy is just one leaning away.
- “Make Reality your friend.”
This comes from the book, Peaks and Valleys – Making Good And Bad Times Work For You–At Work And In Life. The emotion of disappointment clouds our logical brain and we tend to miss what reality is actually saying. For example. If you find out one person doesn’t like you, the emotion of disappointment tells you that EVERYONE doesn’t like you. In that situation, ask yourself, “how many people?” Reality puts things in perspective.
- Bonus question:
What opportunity does this struggle create?
The overall theme is getting your mind right. Romans 12:2 – “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Look for the positives. Don’t dwell on the negatives.
RESOURCES:
- Audible.com – 180K audio book, right at your fingers
Todd Stocker 