Understanding Our Down Days
Here at Smiley Blue, we just love all the beautiful shades of blue, whether it’s the bright azure skies that lift the spirits or the deeper midnight shades of sadness.
So this January as the post-Christmas holiday blues have arrived, we thought we’d explore how these quieter winter days can strengthen your journey towards more authentic moments of true happiness.
January is a time when people can often feel down, particularly after the Christmas season.
It's natural to experience some days when you feel low, and a bit downcast. Most of us do not wish to stay long in these moments, and hope the cloud over us quickly blows over. Sometimes though, we question our feelings, unable to pinpoint exactly why we are experiencing emotional weight.
Psalm 42:5, "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?"
"Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not, and oftentimes we call a man cold when he is only sad." Henry Wadsworth Longsfellow
The Myth of Constant Happiness
The truth is, even the most spiritual and accomplished individuals aren't immune to having moments of sadness. Contrary to the belief of maintaining states of 'high vibes' all the time, true spirituality isn't necessarily about a constant state of joy.
Some of the most profound spiritual insights actually come from your moments of sadness and vulnerability. Even Jesus, who was a shining light of spiritual strength experienced deep emotional pain. In the Garden of Gethsemane, he openly admitted his sadness, saying his soul was "overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." And, when his friend Lazarus died, he cried, showing us that emotions like grief and sadness are natural.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted," Matthew 5:4 - Pain is not weakness.
Please remember that having bad days does not mean you have – or will have a bad life.
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Life's Unpredictable
Life for anyone can be changed in an instant. You might be living your dream life one moment and find your world shattered the next, leaving you grief-stricken and emotionally raw. That’s why believing you have to be constantly in the pursuit of happiness and positivity isn’t always very realistic. The problem lies when we have no anchor within, and rely solely on external factors, we inevitably suffer.
We can accept, sit with and acknowledge life’s downturns, and view them not as terrible setbacks but more as moments of deeper self-understanding, reflection and personal transformation.
Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Just as a slingshot pulls back before shooting forward, our emotional challenges can be the very thing that ultimately launches us into greater resilience, compassion and heightened self-awareness.
These moments help us hear the inner voice, and recognise that difficult emotions are very valuable and normal parts of your human experience.
The prophet Isaiah offers you hope: "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:30-31
A Message of Compassion
Your feelings are valid, your struggles are very real, and your journey of emotional growth is truly beautiful in all of its complexity. It is worth remembering that even the darkest blues do hold the promise of brighter days.
Remember that the deep dark blue of the ocean's depths holds the greatest treasures, and our quiet moments of sadness often carry profound gifts of growth and understanding.
At Smiley Blue, we believe your down days aren't a sign of weakness at all but of your continued growth and heightened wisdom.
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Next week, in Smiley Blue, meet one of our members, Ernest Woods, founder of ‘One Pitch’. Lee shares his personal and powerful story about recognising toxic relationships, finding peace and reclaiming yourself.
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