Surviving the Storms

Surviving the Storms

“Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.” - Afrikan Proverb

The most interesting challenges come when you least expect them, and they sometimes come in multiples. I have however found from my experiences, and from those lived by others, that we can ride the storms with confidence when we have the mind focused to do just this.

Grandma used to say “when trouble ketch u, pikney shut fit yuh”. I now have a greater appreciation for just what this means. Even when the shirt feels so tight, and I feel like I can’t breathe, I have learnt to adapt, to bend and to be flexible.

Becoming as fluid as water, to beat against the rocks and carve my way out of the “trouble”, yes this is what I have had to be, to be-come. I no longer fear these situations, which are sometimes unpleasant but also helpful in teaching me that in bitterness there is also much sweet to be had.

Learning peace and patience in the storm are essential and when the boat rocks and sways and even threatens to topple over: the greatest skill you will need to have attained is the ability to swim if necessary. Survival is most definite.

I have also seen that misery loves company and when you become more steadfast in your choices and decisions, there will be many things that threaten to break your will, but you must hold fast to the reason for your journey and stay the path.

Some salient truths have come to my mind in the last few weeks that I will share, hoping they will be of benefit to someone who needs this type of encouragement.

1.      The greatest Love is Love ITSELF. This is undoubtedly true in all circumstances. I have learnt to give of myself more unselfishly than ever before, and I have seen that my love has returned, from healing another to bringing me wholeness.

2.      You ARE stronger than you think. Cherry Natural reminds us that every warrior needs love and while it’s good to take stock of all things in balance, never forget the warrior spirit inside you. You were born a winner. Love created you so.

3.      Be patient and let good sense of reason prevail. Stop, think, then act, instead of reacting, the cost may be too much to bear.

4.      Remember to breathe in deeply and slowly then exhale. Repeat as many times as needed in situations of tension. This will help to regulate your pulse and create the peace of mind you will need to act.

5.      Smile and laugh as often as you can. It will help ease most of the bundles of tension you may experience during the storm.  It is healing to the soul. 

So in taking stock of all that could go “wrong” many beautiful things will go right. One door closes with the lessons sufficient to that experience and a new day for experiencing new things arises with all the opportunities you want out of it. So let’s not harbor thoughts of negativity but see each new storm as relevant to you in the following way: as a challenge to growth, to newness, to getting better and better. Learning will never stop. So keep your head and know that the things we make possible are the things we think we can.

Strength to my brothers and sisters who are in the storms of their lives, Know you are more than a conqueror to rise.

WarriorSistren, over and out till next time.

Peace.