Rainbows and Sunshine

I have been told repeatedly to quit being all “rainbows and sunshine.”

When asking for relationship advice, but asking it to be for positive things, rather than examples of bad cases. Don’t be all rainbows and sunshine, Rachel.

When telling someone to please keep their negativity to themselves. Don’t be all rainbows and sunshine, Rachel.

When looking at the bright side, or encouraging others to find an active solution. Don’t be all rainbows and sunshine, Rachel.

I understand.

I had an innocent childhood. I grew up in a loving intact family. I received a good education. I was never abused or abandoned. And because of those things, I am in the top part of the top one percent of blessed people in the world today. I know this. But that does not make me all rainbows and sunshine. That makes me responsible.

Responsible to share with others the love and blessings I have been so freely given. But there is a line between critical thinking, and cynical thinking.

I have worked hard to find a balance. And it hasn’t been easy. In serving others, in doing what I know I have been called to do, I have been punched, strangled, and cussed out enough times it doesn’t phase me anymore. I have left my home, my family, my friends, my boyfriend to learn another language, culture, and way of doing things. I have ‘missed out’ on being normal, or having anything that resembles a normal lifestyle. I don’t regret one moment.

But it is not all rainbows and sunshine. I won’t pretend for a moment that the poverty I see on a daily basis is quaint or full of silver linings. I won’t hide the fact that sometimes, I curse those cynics who are “rainbow and sunshining me” as they sit on their tush and do nothing to make a difference in the world. That because of the waste, arrogance, and ignorance of so many people, children are dying. Children are suffering things they never should have to.

And that is cynical of me. I work my hardest to put down those thoughts and make the deliberate choice to think critically and optimistically. To dream about what could be instead of despair over what isn’t. Because otherwise I would fall apart. Because that is the kind of world I want to live in. Yes, I want some rainbows and sunshine. Because I know there isn’t enough of it, not because I am making them up or ignoring reality.

I am sorry for whatever made you become the person that shushes rainbows and sunshine. I am sure it was something ugly and unfair. But put down your cynical. That doesn’t mean give up critical thinking. It won’t be all rainbows and sunshine, but it will be trying to walk in the Light, as He is in the Light.