Rainy Days & Mondays

“Happiness doesn't depend on any external conditions; it is governed by our mental attitude.”
-- Dale Carnegie

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As I look out my office window it is raining!  Better yet, it’s Monday morning and it’s raining.  Despite the rain and the start of the work week, I’m choosing to be happy.  I will not allow the weather or any other circumstances beyond my control to dictate my state of happiness.  I’m the one who will dictate my state of happiness.

Watching the rain, I can’t help but think of the number of pop songs that give rain a bad rap: songs like Here Comes that Rainy Day Feeling Again; Rainy Night in Georgia; and Kentucky Rain. Perhaps, no pop song epitomizes the association between rain and negativity more so than The Carpenters 1971 hit, Rainy Days and Mondays. The lyrics state:

"Hanging around, nothing to do but frown. Rainy days and Mondays always get me down."

The Carpenters’ song is actually a love song.  It is about finding comfort in being with the one you love.  The lyrics however strike a chord with many people that rainy days and Mondays are depressing events.

Granted, Monday is the day of the week that most people look forward to the least.  Research has demonstrated that Monday is the day that most people are likely to call in sick.  Author Jon Gordon, in his book the Energy Bus, states that more people die Monday morning at 9:00 am than any other time of the week. 

So there you have it rainy days and Mondays get a bad rap.  Why are rainy days and Mondays so depressing? Could it be our attitude?

As I write this it’s still raining!   I’m wondering why so many people allow a rainy day to affect them so negatively?  After all, rain is just Mother Nature's way of bathing the earth.  Sure, events have to be rescheduled, some even cancelled, but when you keep things in perspective it is not the end of the world!   Rain is necessary for the sustenance of life.   Therefore, whenever it rains it is a good thing.  The only problem with a rain shower is the timing of it.  Since we know that we can't control the weather, we need to focus on what we know we can control; that being our attitude about an event or circumstance.   If we choose to perceive a rainy day as negative event then we are choosing a negative attitude.  Consequently, our negative attitude will adversely affect the outcome of our day. 

Why not choose to view a rainy day with a positive attitude?   When you really think about it, even when it’s raining the sun is still shining.  That’s because, the sun never stops shining.   Just because you can't see the sun doesn't mean it's not still shining brightly.  Know that in due time the rain will stop, the clouds will dissipate and sun will be visible again.  A positive attitude would recognize and appreciate rain for all the good it does in nature.

Rain can be used as an analogy in life.  Rain represents the problems you encounter; the temporary setbacks and disappointments.   Just as rain is necessary for the sustenance of life, problems are necessary for us to learn and grow.   The degree of impact that life’s rainstorms (problems) will have on you will ultimately be determined by your attitude. Never allow life’s rainstorms to dictate your attitude.  You dictate your attitude. Remember, it’s a matter of perspective and your perspective is derived from your attitude.  The good news is you choose your attitude – nobody else!   

I’m not letting a little rain dampen my spirits.  Besides, I'm thinking about taking advantage of the opportunity the rain has provided; another chance to be a kid and splash in a puddle or two!  How about you?

LET IT RAIN! 

It's your life; live it, love it & celebrate it!

MJD