Tamara Shimmin

Break in the clouds.

Look for the silver lining.

Count your blessings.

The glass is half full.

Look on the sunny side.

How do I write about the Law of Polarity without quoting a cliché?

I have always been an optimistic person, but could I find the positive this time? My husband worked in the computer industry when downsizing became a “normal” occurrence. He had survived two layoffs, but this time it was his turn. It took three months for him to find another job.

Two years later with a newborn and a toddler, my husband got laid off again! This time, the new job required a move to another state. Within two weeks of starting the new job, they shipped him across the country for two weeks. Two weeks turned into three months. A long-distance marriage was not what we wanted, so that meant another job change. Did these events have a positive side?

While each of my husband’s job losses could be viewed as a negative, I chose to find the positives. The extra time we were able to enjoy during his time off brought us closer together and helped unify our relationship. With an active 2-year-old and a brand-new baby, another pair of hands all day was greatly appreciated. Additionally, my husband was able to spend more time with the kids bonding and creating priceless memories. And every new job brought the blessings of a raise in pay and more benefits.

When we moved after his second layoff, my husband and I made a profit on our 55-year-old house. This allowed us to upgrade to a larger, one-year old house. (And in my opinion, Arizona has much better weather than Utah.)

When my husband’s job sent him across the country for the extended time, they paid for me to take a trip to New Jersey to see him. I love to travel, and I had never been to the east coast. We took the time to sightsee in New York City, where we enjoyed the Natural History Museum and saw the Statue of Liberty. Our time apart helped us value the time together.

Each of these events had a downside and an upside. I chose to see the good that came from them.

If you look for the negative, you will find it. It is there. The same goes for the positive. Whichever you focus on, you will see. Focusing on the positive can bring more joy and peace into any situation. Remember, when you pick up a stick, you pick up both ends. If negative is your normal, retrain your brain to look for the bright side.

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