This post is in response to https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/liquid/

Rain, rain, go away; come back another day.

My little neck of the woods in southwest Virginia has become a swamp land with the recent rains. The constant doom and gloom has made me appreciate the blue sky (or lack thereof) a great deal more. However, it’s not a sky picture I want to post about today.

Rain, rain, go away; come back another day.

I take lunch time walks whenever possible and often pause to capture beautiful skylines. It was raining during one particular walk. Rain coated my pants as the umbrella did little enough to protect me. I was grumbling and mumbling about the bad weather and my lack of desire to exercise.

Rain, rain, go away; come back another day.

One shoulder ached as I held the umbrella and hunched both shoulders to protect myself from the wind. More complaining on my end.

Rain, rain, go away; come back another day.

Then, I stumbled across this flower. It was made even more beautiful by the rain – no filter needed. Another expression came to mind. Bloom where you’re planted.

There’s a lot we can’t control in this life – weather is only one of those things. It’s cliché, I know, but we can choose how we respond. This bloom reminded me to be grateful and enjoy myself in the present moment. Wishing your time and days away, hoping for a change is a waste. I’m definitely someone who spends too much time planning (and yes, worrying) and not enough time enjoying.

Rain or shine. Success or road blocks. Excitement or fear. Alone or together. Lemons or lemonade. We all have choices to make along our paths. As a planner, it makes me feel powerful that many things are under my control. I just need the occasional reminder that one of those things is me. I also have to remember to use that power for good.

Bloom where you are planted.