Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The quote is emphasizing the importance and beauty of empathy and compassion in our interactions with others. Picture a cloudy, gloomy day. It's the kind of day that feels oppressive, where the weight of the world seems too much. Now, imagine the joy you'd feel if a rainbow suddenly appeared, cutting through the gloom with its vibrant colors. That's the role Angelou suggests we try to play in other people's lives. This quote asks us to bring light and positivity to others when they're going through their darkest hours, to offer comfort and hope when they're caught in life's storms. It doesn't mean we have to solve all their problems or even have the right words to say. Sometimes, just being there, showing up for them, and offering a listening ear can be the rainbow that helps lighten their burden. It’s about showing kindness and love to people, especially when they're struggling, which in turn enriches our own lives as we realize our capacity to positively affect the world around us.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud." was said by Maya Angelou (Bio / Quotes). Maya Angelou was an American poet, author, and civil rights activist who is best known for her memoir "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
The quote "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud" by Maya Angelou speaks to the importance of kindness, hope, and positivity, especially during difficult times. A historical example that vividly illustrates this message is the story of Oskar Schindler during World War II.
Oskar Schindler was a German industrialist and member of the Nazi Party who became an unlikely hero by saving the lives of over a thousand Jews during the Holocaust. At a time when darkness and despair overshadowed the lives of millions, Schindler acted as a "rainbow" for those who were trapped in a seemingly hopeless situation.
Schindler initially employed Jews in his factories for practical reasons, as they were a source of cheap labor. However, as he witnessed the atrocities committed against them, he began to use his position and resources to protect his Jewish workers from deportation to concentration camps. Schindler bribed Nazi officials, falsified documents, and even moved his entire factory to ensure the safety of his workers. His actions were dangerous and defied the very regime to which he was supposed to be loyal.
The lives that Schindler saved were like individual clouds, overshadowed by the darkest time in history. His courageous and selfless acts brought a glimmer of hope to those who had nearly lost all of it. He provided not just physical safety but also emotional support, showing his workers that there was still humanity in the world.
Schindler's story is a powerful example of how one person's actions, motivated by compassion and empathy, can make a profound difference in the lives of others. His willingness to be a "rainbow" in the midst of a storm of hate and violence serves as a timeless reminder of the impact that kindness and courage can have on the world.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
Applying the quote "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud" in everyday life involves being a source of positivity and support for others, especially when they are going through tough times. It’s about recognizing when someone is struggling and offering them comfort, encouragement, or simply a kind gesture to lift their spirits.
Imagine a colleague at work who is overwhelmed by personal challenges, such as the illness of a family member or the stress of balancing work and life responsibilities. They may appear distant, less engaged, or even irritable, as the weight of their circumstances bears down on them. In this scenario, being a "rainbow" could involve small but meaningful actions: offering to help with their workload, sharing words of encouragement, or even just being a patient and understanding listener.
For example, you could notice that this colleague has been staying late at work frequently, likely trying to keep up with tasks despite their difficult situation. You could offer to help with a project or take on a task that would lighten their load. Even something as simple as leaving a kind note on their desk or inviting them to join you for a coffee break could make a significant difference. These gestures might seem small, but they can have a profound impact, reminding your colleague that they are not alone and that there is kindness and support around them.
Another way to apply this quote is in personal relationships. If a friend or family member is going through a breakup, financial troubles, or health issues, your role as a "rainbow" could involve being there for them in any way you can. This might mean spending time with them, offering to help with practical matters, or just being a consistent presence in their life during a time when they might feel lost or isolated.
Being a "rainbow" doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s the simple act of showing up, listening, and being kind that can make all the difference. It’s about bringing light to someone's dark moment, even if just for a little while, and showing them that there is hope and goodness in the world.
Ultimately, this quote encourages us to be mindful of the impact we can have on others and to actively seek opportunities to spread positivity and kindness. By doing so, we can brighten someone’s day and make their burdens a little lighter, just as a rainbow does after a storm.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
