Behind Every Closed Door is a Greasy Window-But On the Other Side of That Window There’s a Rainbow

How many times have you heard someone say, “When one door closes, another one opens?” Or, “When God closes a door, he opens a window?”In my personal-and highly unprofessional-opinion, that’s a bunch of blarney. If life were constantly tossing golden opportunities into our laps we’d spend our days scrambling over golden nuggets stacked all the way to the top! 

No, in my experience every time that door closes, whether you made the decision to close it or not, what you find when you turn around is a greasy window. But if you’re willing to bust out the vinegar, put in a little bit of elbow grease and get that window cleaned up, nine times out of ten there’s a rainbow waiting on the other side.If you spend all your time focusing on the grease, you’re going to miss something fantastic.

What You See Right Then? It’s Only Half the Picture

Everyone has a defining moment when that door slams shut, and the only thing we can do is close our eyes, cross our fingers and whisper, “I’m so screwed.” Hey, I’ve been there. We’ve all been there. When you realize the door you’d planned on walking through to get to the rest of your life isn’t an option anymore, the window you turn to look out of isn’t shiny. It’s streaked with disappointment. Failure. Depression. Anger. Guilt.

The view isn’t very bright right then, but you know what? That’s perfectly normal. And believe it or not, right now you’re standing at the very best time of your life. The time when you get to shed everyone else’s expectations of you and ask, “What do I really want?”  

 Sometimes, if you're clever and willing to believe, that elephant on your chest learns how to fly.

As soon as you make that decision, that window starts looking a little bit brighter. The closer you get to making that goal a reality, the clearer that window’s going to be. Small steps start to wipe away the fear, the anger, the feelings of worthlessness that coated that window in the first place. Those feelings have no business holding you back, but you’re not going to be able to let them go until you start scrubbing away at that grit.

With enough scrubbing, you’ll finally see the rainbow that was hiding on the other side. And if you happen to run into the leprechaun that was hiding there waiting for you, do a little jig for me.

Did You Have a Point?

What was that, you ask? Have I spent way too much time writing college papers, turning a very simple concept into eighteen pages of multi-syllabic nonsense? Why yes, yes I have. How did you ever guess?

Of course I had a point.

The point is, it’s worth resisting the urge to punch your neighbor in the face when she comes bearing platitudes and quiche. Because even though it doesn’t feel like it right now, she’s absolutely right. It’s going to get better, if you believe. If you’ll let it. And if you’re willing to work to make it happen.  

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