There came a night this week where all I wanted was to do was look out and see the stars. However, the clouds that had moved in had other ideas, and for some reason this really bummed me out. I know, the stars are still there whether I can see them or not, but it was one of those moments where I didn’t want to accept what was. I wanted the weather to bend to what my current state desired.

Ever been there? Where something you can’t control isn’t doing what you want and it just brings you down? So you sit brooding or crying or cursing. Because what else is there to do in that moment?

One thing I’ve noticed, though: cursing the clouds won’t move them. No matter how hard or loudly you yell, the clouds are bound by laws stronger than any string of words you could heave at them. But, while the clouds may stubbornly refuse to move, you still can.

So when you’re looking for stars on a cloudy night, and as the hours pass the clouds keep winning over, grab a canvas or a notebook and create your own. Sometimes the things we need aren’t handed to us on a silver platter, and in those moments – we have to learn how to find them elsewhere. We can learn to create them or reach out to someone who can help create them with us.

And always remember, the stars will come back. The clouds will move – eventually. If the stars aren’t out tonight, and you simply don’t have the energy to make your own, go out tomorrow night. Or the next. Or, jump in a car and drive someplace the clouds haven’t consumed yet. Those places always exist for those willing to find them.
Added bonus: if you go high enough, where the city lights are too far away to distort the darkness, you’ll find more stars than you thought could possibly exist. It just takes a little more effort on your part.

Yeah, I get it though. Sometimes you don’t feel like you have the energy to look for something. Sometimes you just want it to come easily. But if we let those feelings win over every single time, we’ll end up frustrated more times than not. The rush you get from taking control of your circumstances and determining to find your joy is exhilarating. Knowing you can rise above your current situation is a kind of power that can’t be taken from you.

When the clouds won’t move, remember you still can.