Rihanna

Photo by Todd Diemer on Unsplash

When times of distress come, what’s important to us begins to surface. In this week’s song choice, Umbrella by Rihanna, a storm is about to hit, and the offer is made between lovers to share the protection of an umbrella.

Although there have been many interpretations regarding the meaning of this song, it seems to me there is a clear application in terms of our wellbeing: the choices we make regarding our priorities will have a significant impact on our experience of life when we face times of challenge.

“… ‘cause in the dark, you can’t see shiny cars.”

In life, and in the western world in particular, we have a tendency to gather possessions. But ultimately, what good do they do. As I look around my own home, it is over full of possessions which are nice, and sometimes even useful, but in the final analysis are not that important. Yet how much of my time is spent either gaining the money to purchase items or expending effort to protect them?

“And that’s when you need me there, with you I’ll always share.”

Yet there are things, or rather people, around me who do bring more sustained meaning. Family and friends are the ones who share our joys and burdens, and yet they are also the ones who often suffer from our lifestyle choices which are all too frequently informed by a desire to gain more possessions for ourselves.

“These fancy things will never come in between, you’re part of my entity, here for infinity.”

So, the song proposes we are left with a choice. Do we choose things or people? The song is clear, what really counts is people: When the world has dealt its cards, if the hand is hard, together we’ll mend your heart. Love and relationship make the real difference to the quality of our life experience. And perhaps this leads us to the importance of re-evaluating and realigning our life priorities.

Looking for some help in realigning your life? Why not consider booking an appointment with the author, Dr Dave Wood of Realign Coaching via Keia.