This year, Connecticut had nearly four inches of rain in the month of April. As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers”, we’re nearing the time when the showers upon showers will turn into fields of vibrant flowers. Rain can make someone gloomy, it could give them a headache, and it could even make them sick, but flowers are the light at the end of the tunnel, the reason why the feeling of the rain isn’t forever. Just like rain, our problems can weigh us down, giving us feelings of sadness and overall not being a positive presence in our lives. With that, I ask you to turn whatever April “showers” you had, into beautiful May “flowers”. In other words, I’m going to give you a few simple steps that will help you overcome whatever troubles you, and help you bring a positive aspect into your life, one that is your light at the end of the gloomy, rainy tunnel.
Many stressors may arise in the rainy month of April, including college decisions, preparations for AP tests, and planning for end of the year events such as finals and prom. For Senior Cali Morelli, she feels them all. She states, “With AP testing around the corner I’m trying to focus on that, but I also just decided where I’m going to college so there’s a lot going on.” With many in the same boat, there’s an overwhelming amount of stress on Morelli and her classmates to succeed and prepare for the rest of their lives at the same time. With “showers” like these, I can only recommend one thing: take a step back and realize how lucky we are to be in these moments. It’s a privilege to obtain higher education, and although it might not feel like it right now, we are preparing for what will be the best years of our lives.
With gratitude and perspective, any “shower” can turn into a “flower”. We must put whatever troubles us into perspective, and refer to the larger picture. When we let our troubles consume us, there will be no flowers. In order to be in your most positive and flourishing state, you must find appreciation for the small things. Yes, you might be stressed and consumed in personal or academic troubles, but within every situation is a silver lining. Once that silver lining is found, you can turn even the most torrential of “showers” into bright and hopeful “flowers”. Whether it be four inches or fourteen, there are always flowers to be grown, and there will always be a light at the end of every dark tunnel.
