Today There Is No Storm

Each of us faces a variety of storms as we go through life. Most of the storms are not the thunder, lightning, wind and rain kind of storm. Our storms are emotional or psychological, often stress-related. But regardless of what kind of storm we face, I think it is important to remember the words of a child comforting a classmate who was fearful of storms. "Today there is no storm."

Wise words from a young girl. I will try to remember these words the next time I am upset or frustrated or angry. Today there is no storm. And even if there is a storm, eventually the sun will shine again. This doesn't mean, of course, that we won't face difficulties in the course of our lives. But for most of us, the storms will pass.

I tried to remember these five words recently when I was getting angry about something. I admit, I failed. I remembered the words, but I failed at remaining calm. Practice. Practice. Practice. Today there is no storm.

I know that I am fortunate to have a very comfortable standard of living. I have a good education. I had a rewarding career (actually, two careers). I grew up in a loving, two-parent family. I have never lacked sufficient food or a safe place to live. So I know that I have led a life of privilege. 

Nonetheless, I, like everyone else, has faced storms. I am sure that I will face more storms in my future. I often deal with my personal storms on my own, without burdening others with the storm. But I can’t let the storms define me. I won’t let the storms limit my ability to enjoy my life.

As with other things in life, how I respond is up to me. How I react, what I do and what I say, are up to me alone. 

I simply must remember that today there is no storm.