Looking at the Stars

“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” 

 – Oscar Wilde

(from Lady Windermere’s Fan)

Why I chose this quote

Life hasn’t been great lately, has it? When life is hard, I usually try to think of positive outcomes. And remember the temporary nature of… well, everything. But experts tell us that optimism in times of crisis is a poor coping strategy. Expecting things to blow over can backfire. This is because reality is very unlikely to meet our expectations. 

Expecting things to get better is not the answer then. Accepting reality, and preparing for likely outcomes, is a safer bet. Surprisingly, there is a mental health benefit to this approach.

Being realistic can be a very powerful thing. It encourages us to assess our resources, and understand our capabilities. In other words, it enables us to be grateful for what we have, instead of focusing on what we don’t have. 

Just because we can’t yet reach the stars, that doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate their light from down here.

What this quote means to me

If we want things to look up, perhaps we also have to look up. Search the clouds for silver linings. Let our eyes adjust to the darkness so we can see the stars. 

For anyone who needs it, this is your reminder to look up.

Today, I’m grateful for:-

• all the past challenges that have made me stronger
• an imagination that allows me to temporarily be somewhere else
• the love and support of my family
• the wit of Oscar Wilde

What are you grateful for?

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