Besides for being my favorite song on Adele’s latest album, “set fire to the rain” is a phrase I love. I chose the song to title this post because it’s sort of a double entendre. To me, these words mean that you are doing the impossible, you are making something happen that you never thought was possible. I also chose “set fire to the rain” because it’s raining today here in NYC (I know, very cliché, writing something about the rain on a rainy day).

This morning, getting out of bed was setting fire to the rain. One look out the window at the dreary gray sky was all it took to make me stay in bed a little while longer. The sheer force it took me to get ready for work could have moved an elephant. I wonder what it is about rainy days – the dark skies, the rhythm of the rain drops, or the awful premonition of being soaked – that makes people hate the rain.

Even though my morning was terrible, I decided not to let it ruin my day. Instead, I decided to use it as inspiration. I was trying to think of ways to like the rain, but that’s almost as much of a waste of time as thinking of ways to marry Ryan Reynolds. Then I realized that I don’t have to like the rain, I have to like the day and not let the rain ruin that. So I’ve compiled a list of things that still make rainy days lovely.

Puddles are not only fun to jump in, they also provide a unique way of seeing things. I love this tumblr, Architectural Puddles, devoted to images of buildings reflected through puddles.

I hate to admit it, but I was actually a little bit excited for the rain and there’s only one reason: Hunters. I got a pair of Hunter rain boots for Christmas and I’ve been dying to wear them. Find yourself a pair of rain boots that you love. There are so many different brands (you can get designer wellies or ones from Target), colors, and designs out there that everyone can find a pair they truly love. When you hear the pitter-patter of the rain, just think of how much you love your rain boots and you’ll instantly be happier.

I love the smell of the rain. Right before rain comes, there is this fresh, clean smell that takes the air. It’s really something special because you have to be in the right place at the right time to get the scent. For example, it doesn’t really smell the same in the city because there are too many other delicious and repulsive things to smell (usually at the same time). But in the suburbs or countryside, go outside at the beginning of the storm, and I guarantee that you’ll be able to smell the rain.

For some strange reason, I am usually more creative on rainy days. My thoughts run constantly, changing and weaving through each other until suddenly I have a new idea for a blog or ways to arrange my clothes into a cool outfit or something to put on my bucket list. It’s like my brain knows that the day is going to suck, so it decides to make me a little happier by providing me with good ideas. On the next rainy day, just listen to the rain fall and let your thoughts run wild. See if you come up with anything new.

One thing I love is getting out of the rain. Walking into your home after being in the rain makes you appreciate its warmth. The best part, though, is getting into some comfortable pajamas, getting into bed, and watching a movie or reading a book… Which is exactly what I’m going to do when I get home.

Another thing to love about rainy days: knowing they won’t last forever. Eventually the clouds will part and the sun will be back again.