Deanna Beaver
Reflecting on 2025, it had its ups and downs—both sad and happy. I realize I can still be grateful for the negative things.
How can we find the silver lining in bad situations? Is that irreverent to look for the good? I feel like I’m a positive person. Am I a negative person if I mention the disappointments that occur in my life? In my opinion, you need to discuss the difficulties to show the positives that come despite the dismay.
For instance, this past week and weekend have been a total disaster in the world’s eyes. We’ve had some misfortunes with our cars, among other things. I can complain, but I choose to seek the positivity in the situation. For instance, last night was a rainy night in Marietta, Georgia. It continued on and off today as well. Joe and I heard a “Snap” and looked out the window to see that a huge sweet gum tree had fallen on his car and our driveway. Now we didn’t jump up and do a song and dance. But as the rain slacked off, several neighbors stopped or called to offer assistance. My heart swelled with happiness. Growing up, my neighbors were about two miles away. That didn’t stop them from helping us if we were in need. In a subdivision, neighbors tend to mind their own business. Not our neighborhood. What could have been a day of work for Joe to clear the tree turned into a couple of hours with the help of five neighbors. The camaraderie and collaboration were immeasurable. That’s a positive. Oh, and less sweet gum balls— if you know, you know. Just saying.
Another minor inconvenience was when our decorated Christmas Tree fell over on our couch. I could have complained, but I had the opportunity to revisit each story about my ornaments, and that made me happy.
If you follow me on social media, you may recall that I lost my brother this year. That was difficult. How can I be grateful for a tragedy? I’m not. But I’m thankful I got to witness the outpouring of love and respect others had for him and my family. Do I question why he had to leave this earth so soon? Of course I do. The answer to that question is way above my human understanding.
I wonder how I can use these negatives and others to help someone else going through a similar situation.
I had a pastor who encouraged his congregation to see each person we encounter as an opportunity to show kindness. How do you find the silver linings to the disappointments in life? Please share below.
How do you find the silver linings to the disappointments in life? Please share below.
Beautiful! I love your neighbors for helping Joe. I hope all the bad stuff is used up for this year. It’s time for some good stuff to come your way.
Cindy, sometimes we just have to discover the goodness around us. You are a huge support to me. I call that good stuff!!
Always enjoy reading your posts! I want to get together with you soon–I miss you! XOXO Jennifer
Thank you, Jennifer. Let’s make a special effort to get together in 2026. I know a place. I aways enjoy our time together. Hugs.
Hi Deanna. I am known for always trying to find something good to say. Sometimes it’s not easy because, as you know, I have had my fair share of not-so-good times. Granddaddy used to say, “I don’t know why you’re smiling. If you didn’t have bad luck, you wouldn’t have any luck.” My response was not to sulk and drown in my sorrows because I had to be prepared for the next hard time. Also, I have always been a person that seemed to be a magnet for those in need. A meal, a ride, a jacket or just a shoulder…I was the one. I’ve definitely had to learn to be more selective about helping, but I know I can at least give them a positive, encouraging word. Something good can always be found if you have faith in God’s plan. Without the bad, we wouldn’t appreciate the good times as much. Thanks for sharing your website. I always highly value your book recommendations.
Shanna, thank you for your response. Maybe that encouragement from Uncle Donald and others reinforced the postive actions that you had then and now. I always feel better when I help others. God knows our intentions, that’s the important thing. I will continue to give book reccommendations, thanks for letting me know they’re helpful.
The older I get the more I realize that I learn a lot more from my challenges than I do from my successes. Maybe it’s because I’ve started looking for the lessons meant to be learned when things don’t go as planned! Sometimes it takes a little time to find the blessings, but they are there given enough time and reflection. Enjoyed your post, dear friend!!
Lisa, I concur that I haven’t always looked for the silver lining. It’s easier to to see what is wrong. As we grow older and experience many situations and people, we begin to learn to discern the blessings in our life. Thank you, great to hear from you.
Thank you for this uplifting post! Every situation has lessons for us to learn. Your examples will help us look for the silver linings. God is always willing to teach us.
Jeannie, God does teach us in many ways. Thank you. I can see you smiling right now. I hope to connect with you in 2026.
Deanna, keep being positive! Keep being you!
Dorothy, thank you for your kind words. I will strive to be positive. You are also a positive person. Please, keep in touch.
I enjoyed reading all your posts. They gives me uplifting energy every time I read them. 2025 was a challenging year for me. What got me through it all was spending time with my friends and with my Bible study group. I hope that everyone continues to have a blessed 2026.
Heidi, I agree with you. Spending actual face-to-face time with friends is uplifting. It certainly recharges me. Everyone needs friends they can count on in the good and difficult times. Remember, I’m just a call away.
Deanna,
I always look forward to reading your thoughts! One of the silver linings that quickly came to mind was being able to meet up to share a meal in our hometown while being there to care for our elderly parents.
Vicki, that lunch was one of the highlights of my visit as well. Thank you for your understanding. I am glad we are keeping in touch. Hugs.