There's nothing like the day after the storm.

There's nothing like the morning after a big storm in the Sonoran Desert. The ionized air and the fragrant desert bloom perfume wafting on the light breeze. It is the best. Heaven on Earth. As I took a morning walk the other day it got me thinking about the storms of my life and the mornings after them when I made it through some lessons learned that I want to share today. 

In the moment of the storm it feels like there is nothing to hold onto. Being swept into a cyclone of pain, grief, loss, an unwanted things that happened. Control taken and placed elsewhere in the hands of another, feeling as though there is no power to stop the winds from tearing apart all that was ever known. The thunder and lightning crackling and pounding. Nothing feels safe in these times. That is the turmoil when doubt and fear are main motivators. Wondering if survival is possible or if the flood will come to sweep everything away to oblivion. 

That is the storm. The day after when it is time to assess what happened it seems many things are more clear. Much of the debris of life, things that were not sturdy or strong are carried away. The soil is cleared away. It becomes fertile and ready for new things to be planted. The air is clean and clear and a joy to breathe in and out. A feeling of being even more alive for having survived it. For having weathered something scary, strong, and adversarial. One learns their own strength and faith for making it through.

There are many kinds of plants and trees that need strong winds in order to grow. They wither and die without it. I often think of those plants when times are tough. Thinking these winds make me strong. Bend do not break, rest do not quit. The storms always run out of rain as Maya Angelou said. They pass and the possibilities of new growth takes hold. 

In life we face storms full of devastation and emotion often during times of transition. The old is swept away and for awhile there is nothing as the seeds of future endeavors take root. It can feel as though life is a wasteland during these in between times. It's difficult to have faith and patience enough to allow the process to happen and for new opportunities to grow. But like a field of wildflowers they do grow. And it is a wonder, fragrant, and glorious to behold the rebirth. Focusing on things that can consume is a great way to get through these empty times. Whether it is servicing the community by volunteering for something important. Whether it is learning a new skill or supporting an organization with labor. Doing something that brings purpose and meaning to the day while the parts of transition that are not in one's control form and solidify into existence. Make the most of these moments, doing what is needed or desired in the minutes and hours that build up to the new thing. However that shows up for you. Weather the storm and see what beauty unfolds in your life. It may not be easy but experience always seems to find a way to make it worth it. 

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Author

Sophia is a #momtrepreneur in Scottdale, Arizona.