Looking up in November

Posted on by Miriam

Today I was feeling down. Lots of reasons that I won’t go into here. So this afternoon, to shake myself out of the doldrums, I walked outside and standing there in my backyard I looked up.

I looked up into the dazzling sun, at the clouds floating by in a bright blue Melbourne sky and I thought about how things have changed in my life in the last couple of years. Within my world, within my family but mostly within myself.

Someone said to me recently that “everything that happens to us changes us as a person, all our thoughts, decisions, choices …”.  And it’s true, but it seems that lately I’ve been too stuck in my head, thinking, always thinking. Sometimes drowning in my thoughts.

Yet somehow things always seem better outside. It’s like I can breath easier, taking stock of all that I have, where I am, appreciating the ordinary moments.

Then tonight after a nice family dinner, it hit me again. At the end of a four day long weekend when all should have been good in my world, the tears started to flow.

And that’s when I looked up again. I looked out my huge back window and there was the most beautiful light bouncing off the hills. I stepped outside into a drizzly spring evening and I noticed, not just the light but a stunning double rainbow.

I would have missed it if I hadn’t looked up.

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My photos, snapped quickly with my phone, missed the vibrant colors but my eyes didn’t.

I’m dubbing November the month of looking up. When everything seems down and grey I’ll remind myself to take a few steps back, to change my perspective and to look up. To the possibilities that await and the ordinary moments that can become the extraordinary, if we take the time to notice.

I know that not everything will magically fix itself but there has to be hope in changing our focus and in a new perspective.

Even Lamby knows.

May we never give up on hope, appreciating the ordinary moments and where we are right now. Knowing that everything is for a reason, even if we don’t know what it is.

Happy November everyone. Where ever you are, let’s make this month one of moving forward and one where we keep looking up.

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102 thoughts on “Looking up in November”

  2. Appreciating the little things is so important. I loved seeing these very Australian photos – such a different place to Europe and I don’t think I every truly appreciate it until I am so far away from it! And you’re right, changing our focus and perspective works wonders. Hope you have a happy November 🙂

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  6. November, the month of looking up. I like that, and I am going to do that. You post is very heartfelt. We all have those days no matter what draws us to them. We are human 🙂 I hope you are feeling a little brighter today. Happy November Miriam. x

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  7. Beautifully put. Changing perspective and looking up. What a treat to get a double rainbow. One of those moments that is almost like a heavenly wink, something to give you a nudge and remind you that all will be well.
    Great post.

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  8. Lamby is lovely, and so are the rainbows! I’ve had several days when I was quite down for one reason or another, but then I see the sunshine or hear the birds singing outside and remember that Jesus still loves me and has everything under control. Thanks for reminding me to keep looking up!

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  12. Another way to rid yourself of the doldrums is to sit in the sun, even inside! Today I was feeling overwhelmed and I had a chapter to read for this class I am taking. I took the book to the couch and read it in the full sun instead of in my office that is shaded by a tree. The dappled light just doesn’t have the same effect.

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  13. Congratulations on finding your rainbow. This is impressive to me because the day and evening you already experienced is just hitting me over here in Texas. It’s Tuesday morning not even noon here and you’re surely asleep in the early hours of Wednesday. Hope my Tuesday is as good as yours was. 🙂

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  14. I’ve noticed that sometimes, the tears come at an unexpected moment. It happens to me, too. I think it’s part of why I feel like it’s so difficult to handle it — it feels out of my control. Looking at things from a different perspective is what I’m trying to learn to do… It’s not easy but… it’s worth it, right? If it helps, I have a ton of candy from last night’s trick-or-treating… my kids will share… ♥

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    1. I know you can relate Sandra, and that feeling of things being out of control is hard to handle sometimes. But you’re right, it’s definitely worth trying to look at things from a different perspective. Candy and chocolate helps too … you and your kids are very sweet. 😊

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  17. Miriam, so my two pennies worth… as we get closer to xmas .. and the days get darker and the weather turn ..the majority of the world go into a bit of a slump. And even if we feel happy and have nothing to be sad about… we are influenced by tge world vibration… thats why for mysrlf i have to amp up my meditation and positive thinking and jouranaling. And a just the Brugid if watchingthedaisy blog tagline the importance of slow… she is so right ..the importance of slow ! So powerful those few words are.

    Finally… your pics are so beautiful and you really live in a scenic part of the world..

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    1. Thanks Bella, some good thoughts you mentioned. I think maybe I need to ramp up my own meditation, just finding it a bit hard lately. And yes, Brigid is right about the importance of slow. Some days though if I went any slower I’d be comatose! lol

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  19. Aww Miriam..you see, the world feels your sadness too, and it is reminding you that there is sunshine after the rain. I was even thinking that perhaps that’s your mum’s way of trying to tell you that it’s okay, everything will be alright. 🙂
    I’m kinda feeling a little down too…and disappointed & upset about something. But I am forcing myself to believe that this too shall pass sooner or later…
    Thank you for sharing your rainbow Miriam. That one spoke to me today.
    And I want to share you a song too… I hope it’ll make you feel better. 🙂

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    1. Thanks Nina, you’re so kind. I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been feeling down and upset yourself, I hope that whatever is troubling you will pass. Sending you big hugs and lots of warm wishes. xo 🙂 BTW I wasn’t able to get that link to work.

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  20. Why is it so hard to stop those negative and sad thoughts from swirling around and sticking in our head? We say No, you’re not going to take over today…and then they take over!! You did the perfect thing by stepping outside and an even greater thing by looking up. Nature is one of the best healers of moods and sadness, there’s so much simple beauty to be appreciated. I’m so happy you stepped outside so that your Mum could cheer you up with the double rainbow…how stunning! She didn’t just lift your spirits in a small, quiet way…NO she was full on Here your go Miriam let me remove your sadness for a little while with this gem…go get your camera. Those flowers are so vibrant too…and then Lamby…even Lamby was looking up!! Here’s to Looking Up in November! The scenery looking up is magnificent and inspiring! As always a beautiful post by you!! xo

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    1. You brought tears to my eyes Deb. What a kind, heartfelt and touching thing to say. Yes, nature definitely is healing and we can all feel comforted and soothed by just being outside when the sadness takes over and soaking in what’s around us. Thank you for your beautiful comment Deb. Lots of hugs to you. xo

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      1. You are so welcome Miriam. Thank you for the many hugs, they feel so good. Wrapping my arms around and squeezing you tight too!! xo. Wishing you an uplifting day! 😊

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  22. What an incredibly moving post! When I saw that double rainbow I instantly thought that it was a reflection of you and your Mum joined in harmony in the sky. SO very precious. Nature truly heals in every which way – and sometimes I feel like hiding indoors when I feel down in the dumps, but when I have the courage to step outside and see the beauty – it is like a weight has been lifted. So I am so happy you too a breath of fresh air and decided to look up! And oh my! Now I want a little lamby too hehe so adorable xx hugs and love coming your way Miriam xx

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    1. Aren’t you the sweetest! Thanks so much Hayley, and you’re right, nature is healing and really does make a difference. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve felt overwhelmed but when I step foot outside suddenly I feel lighter. As you said, like a weight’s been lifted. Hope you’ve had a lovely Wednesday. Hugs from me and Lamby xo 🙂

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      1. Oh yes – nature is medicine for the soul that’s for sure! I’ve had a relaxed Wednesday and am just about to settle down with a book 📚 enjoy the rest of your evening Miriam, hope you are feeling much better xx

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  24. Beautiful photos! I never been to Australia but I sure would like to do so. My daughter has been there once and she loved it
    I have just been watching an episode of “The flying doctors” Old reruns in a channel showing old TV-series. I probably seen all of them once but I have forgot the plot.

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  27. Oh, Miriam, I’m sorry you’re having a hard time just now. I think grief can hit is at unexpected times and in unexpected ways, and we can’t really change that. Sometimes we just need to feel it. But we can move past the grief by reminding ourselves of all that is still good in the world and our lives, and I think your plan to “look up” is a very good way to cope.
    Thank you for this post…It was beautiful and inspiring, and I think it will help a lot of people to move forward, too. Thinking of you, my friend!

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    1. Yes, you’re right Ann and I do try to remind myself of all that’s good in the world and in my life. Thank you, as always, for your very kind and thoughtful words. Means a lot to me.

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  29. “May we never give up on hope, appreciating the ordinary moments and where we are right now.” – this is my favorite part of your post. I agree. We will never see what life has to offer us if we stay hidden away inside. Thanks Miriam.

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  30. I’m sorry you’re having a hard time now, Miriam. I love your idea of “looking up.” So much beauty there. I’m going to remember that. I love the Lamby pic, made me smile😊 take care, Jenny

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      1. Glad to hear you’re feeling better! I’m doing well, thanks. Happy November to you too! I think of this month as ‘the calm before the storm.’ It gets so, so busy by the end of November. So I’m enjoying a peaceful day today 🙂

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  31. *gasp* Oh what a gorgeous rainbow!! That was amazing! Aren’t they like a little kiss from God?! I love rainbows. 😀 And I’m so happy you got that perfect little blessing at just the moment you needed it too.

    I’m sorry you’ve been feeling down. You’ve had a lot on your plate the last year or two and sometimes, it just hits, doesn’t it? Comes out of the blue like a rocket and bam. Hopefully those moments leave as quickly as they come.

    I feel like you are in a place of healing. I hope that’s true! You deserve rainbows! Lots and lots of them. 🙂 *hugs* ❤

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    1. A kiss from God, oh my, I love that. Yes, it did come at the right time, it lifted me right out of my wallowing. And I just had to share it.
      You deserve rainbows too Ness, for always being there with your warm words and hugs. Sending you many back across the ocean. ❤️😊

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      1. It’s like the other side of a rainbow! When you see one, you see only half a circle – so when we put my half and your half together, we have an entire circle rainbow! 😀

        I know, I’m goofy, but it’s a happy thought, each of us sharing half of the rainbow. 🙂 I’m glad to share it with you, sweet friend. *hugs* ❤

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  33. Dear Miriam, I know exactly this feeling, despair, our mind takes us to scary places, and we need to be careful for not be taken away forever. The best thing is to go outside, fresh air, be grateful for little things, try to ground ourselves. Hope you are better now. Have a wonderful new month my dear!

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  34. Love this. I wrote about something similar a while back. I can always find something to photograph on a walk and it will take my mind off my worries, brightening my day at the same time 🙂

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  35. I get lost in my head, too, sometimes. It feels like I’m in a vortex that exists in my own head – an inescapable Bermuda triangle. I know that there is no going backward, only forward, yet I am so broken over the shambles of the past days or weeks that, in that moment, I despair. Your message about looking up is a good one. The despair comes from looking inward, looking to myself to fix my own brokenness. Looking up puts everything in perspective. It reminds me that I am not the center of the universe, and it reconnects me with creation and the Creator. Thank you for this heartfelt post. After several rough weeks, it was something that I really needed to read.

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    1. Oh Lulu, I’m sorry to hear you’ve had a tough few weeks. It’s so easy to get caught in our thoughts, looking inwards, focusing solely on ourselves. I know for me I need to get out more, to find more meaning and purpose, to get out of my own thoughts. Finding that perspective. Here’s to a better month for both of us. xo

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      1. I’m glad we both have the insight to know it. Like you said, it gives us a chance to change our perspectives. Love how changing the view sometimes changes the outlook. Maybe mum and dad sent you that beautiful double ray of brightness. Heavenly hugs perhaps?

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