The saying, “Every cloud has a silver lining,” is a common attempt to shine a ray of hope for someone who is going through a dark time. Sometimes we say it to ourselves. But finding a silver lining isn’t always easy. 

We lose jobs … we struggle with finances … we lose relationships … we grieve … 

We may lose our way in life, and not know what to do. But silver linings can almost always be found – eventually. In every loss, there is gain. 

Army veteran Melissa Stockwell was the first female American soldier to lose a limb in combat. After returning from Iraq, she quickly chose to accept the loss of her leg and move forward, rather than dwell on the past and what was lost. Later she said, “I can honestly say my life is better now than it has ever been. I have done more in my life with one leg than I believe I ever would have with two.” 

From loss, she gained perspective, strength, and purpose –  she also gained a bronze medal at the 2016 Paralympic Games!

Today’s Peace of Wisdom can be found in choosing to accept loss so we can experience gain.