Above the Clouds
Have you ever looked out the window of an airplane and felt like time stood still for just a moment? Recently, on a flight, I found myself staring out at a sea of clouds stretched like a fluffy blanket beneath the wings. Above them, the sky was a brilliant, uninterrupted blue, radiant and peaceful. It struck me then: no matter how stormy it might be below, the sun is always shining above the clouds.
It reminded me of something I’ve been leaning into lately: the quiet power of keeping your head above the clouds, both literally and metaphorically. We’ve all heard the phrase before. Sometimes it’s used to describe someone who seems dreamy or idealistic. But there’s another meaning that speaks straight to my heart: someone who maintains hope, optimism, and perspective even when life feels heavy. Someone who rises above the noise and the worry and the to-do lists and remembers the bigger picture.
Because let’s face it, life can get stormy. Plans fall apart. Health concerns surface. Relationships shift. Dreams take longer than we thought. And on some days, it can feel like we’re flying right through the clouds, barely able to see what’s ahead. But what if we remembered that just above those clouds, the sky is still blue?
Looking out that airplane window, I felt a shift. It’s so easy to get caught up in the turbulence of our daily lives. But when we intentionally lift our perspective, even just a little, we’re able to rise above the overwhelm and notice beauty again, even if it’s small. We remember what matters. We see how far we’ve come, not just how far we have to go.
That’s the gift of keeping your head above the clouds. It’s not about ignoring the storm, but choosing to see beyond it. Staying optimistic doesn’t mean we never feel the hard stuff. In fact, quite the opposite. True hope comes from allowing ourselves to feel deeply and to believe in the possibility of something better. It’s choosing to say, “This is tough, but it’s not the whole story.” Just like the sun is still shining behind the darkest clouds, your light is still within you, even when you can’t quite see it.
If you’re in a cloudy season, here are a few gentle reminders to help you rise:
Breathe and Zoom Out: Sometimes we just need to pause and get a bird’s-eye view of what’s happening. What’s actually true right now? What’s temporary?
Anchor into Gratitude: Even the smallest things: a warm mug of tea, a kind word, or a favorite song can remind you that beauty still exists.
Speak Light Over Your Life: The words we say to ourselves matter. Try gently shifting your inner dialogue. “This is hard” can coexist with “I’m strong enough to move through it.”
Seek Connection: Talk with someone who helps you rise, whether it’s a friend, a mentor, or even a quiet moment with your journal.
And the next time you’re on a plane or even just sitting quietly in your own home, close your eyes for a moment and imagine yourself above the clouds. Feel that expansive sky. That stillness and that hope. Because it’s always there.You just have to look up.
What helps you rise above the clouds when life feels heavy? If you're in a season where it's hard to remember your own light, know this, I'm here, and you’re not alone. Let’s keep lifting each other, one hopeful breath at a time.
XO Sheryl
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