The Calm After the Storm

I’m not sure about you, but I don’t agree with the expression “this is the calm before the storm.” In fact, I’ve found the opposite to be true. In my inner life, the calm comes after the storm, and when I remember that, it reassures me that times of difficulty are often followed by relief and peace.

It’s not always that way. When life feels out of control, it can be tempting to check out and avoid the feelings and the situation entirely. Some go-to ways to check out in times of stress are binge-watching TV, drinking too much, shopping compulsively, checking out with the phone, gossiping, or delving into another person’s drama. There are so many ways to avoid the present moment.

But in the times that I’ve maintained my contact with the moment, with myself and my feelings, however distressing they can be, a new perspective and sense of peace and calm ensue.

This awareness gives me peace, helps me to trust in myself in difficult times and resist the urge to hide from them. It also allows me to enjoy peaceful times. Not to naively assume or even to hope that they will never pass, but to trust the peace and calm and not to begin to prepare for disaster every time I feel good.

What have you noticed in your life? When life feels overwhelming, when you find yourself “in the storm,” what do you believe about it? What do you tell yourself? And similarly, what do you believe about times of peace? Do you feel anxious when things are good? Do you mistrust calm and peaceful feelings?

Are you in the storm now? What’s stopping you from reaching out for help? If this is familiar and you’re ready to get help, fill out my inquiry form now to get started and start feeling better.