I was in the lobby at my doctor’s office waiting to have by blood drawn for my physical scheduled later in the week. It was early. Only one other person was in the room. Jammin 99.9 was on the radio. It was a little annoying and a little loud for first thing in the morning. There were a few ads and then the song I Can See Clearly Now, by Johnny Nash, started playing. It was written and released in 1972. The first verse is this:
I can see clearly now the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright, bright sunshiny day
I listened to the lyrics and hummed along in a quiet sort of way. The song played through and then by some miracle the room became quiet. The radio just went silent. Hmmm.
My mind was already getting the message. I had heard this song many times. I knew most of the lyrics by heart. But the message was never as clear as it was that day. This song isn’t about a skipping bright sunshiny day. It’s about getting out of the rain and the dark clouds so I can see the things in front of me I call obstacles. To see them clearly.
What are the dark clouds that have me blind? The things in my mind like: unworthiness, doubt, judgment, anxiety, all the stories of not good enough, not deserving. When my mind is in the dark there is no way to clearly see what is on my path. I feel uncertain and overwhelmed.
When I take control of my mind, become still, take a deep breath, pause for a minute, ask for some help, use an affirmation, take a walk…it is possible to see the obstacles for what they are. Some remain, some disappear, some get smaller. Others I climb over, still others I simply walk around.
They are life. And it matters most how I see whatever it is…clearly. Thank God for clarity. And for the smell of rain and the warmth of the sun on my skin.
Grateful
Paula
Here is the link if you want to have a listen,
