Finding the Little Good Things on Really Bad Days

I came across this poem today and it's one of those "messages" that seems was written specifically for me for this very day.

Some days are very difficult. In this poem, I am reminded that even on bad days, not everything is bad. Even the smallest thing can give me reason for hope, can lift my spirit, can bring me peace.

For me, yesterday is a good example of finding the "smallest thing." I was headed out for a run. And it rained. It was the last thing I needed today. I was bitter ... for a while. When I stepped outside, though, it hit me -- literally the rain hit me.

I realized, wow, the rain is so soft, almost warm. It was a remarkable experience, and I almost missed it! It made me smile throughout the day. And even though the day was still rough, I had that one little good thing to hold on to -- and it made all the difference!

When you have "one of those days" -- maybe even today! -- what "little good thing" has lifted your spirit?

What Was Told, That

What was said to the rose that made it open
was said to me here in my chest.

What was told the Cypress that made it strong
and straight, what was

whispered the jasmine so it is what it is, whatever made
sugarcane sweet, whatever

was said to the inhabitants of the town of Chigil in
Turkestan that makes them

so handsome, whatever lets the pomegranate flower blush
like a human face, that is

being said to me now. I blush. Whatever put eloquence in
language, that’s happening here.

The great warehouse doors open; I fill with gratitude,
chewing a piece of sugarcane,

in love with the one to whom every that belongs!

Poem by Rumi, a 13th c. Persian Muslim poet, theologian, and Sufi mystic
Translation by Coleman Barks