“I can see clearly now, the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way”… So begins the famous 1972 song released by Johnny Nash.
That song has, with a simple two line introduction, created deep meaningful imagery that conjures up multiple thoughts and emotions. In general, I believe this song is about hope, gratitude and positivity.
To me, the true meaning is about staying open to the possibilities of what lays ahead of us (“I can see clearly now”). That it is possible to see that our future can be bright while still seeing the remnants of the rain clouds that shroud the future because of our past.
It’s also about being grateful for the fact that we have a chance to see the way forward if we open our hearts and eyes to what’s in front of us rather than always looking behind. There is a saying that “most of us only see the mountain in front of us still left to climb”. What we forget is to occasionally “look back to see how far we have come”.
I Can See Clearly—To The Future
It is my hope that one day, in the very-distant future, I will look back and see how far I have come and be proud of myself and my resilience. And when it comes time to close my eyes for the last time, I hope to be listening to music, because if all of my feelings of gratitude and positivity were to be encapsulated in one word, I think I would choose music.
As many of you have seen in my posts, I write a great deal about meaningful songs and lyrics. Not as triggers, but as celebrating my life and love for Suzanne. To me, lyrics and melodies blending together create the “soundtrack” to my life, and they give me the moments I want to stop, take pause for grace, gratitude and mindfulness.
This song, I Can See Clearly Now, is one of those songs that seems to bring me a deep sense of knowing. It helps me recognize that not only my resilience kept me going, but also I can look back and see how far I’ve come without fear of “sliding back”.
Celebrating You
So as many of us in the US spend today celebrating Thanksgiving alone—or certainly with a limited group of close family and friends—I give you all this thought to stay with: Look at how far you have come, even if it was simply getting out of bed today. Be grateful for the love you have had for your person. Be thankful for the moment you have now, that the rain will go and you will be able to see clearly again.
In the beginning, I never thought I would be able to say these things. But now…
All my love to you all, my widowed brothers and sisters. And to those of you reading who are not amongst us, cherish these moments, be grateful for the people you have with you. Never take a moment—or your person—for granted.
With gratitude and thanks.
Namaste