Finding New Ways to Live Through a Storm/MANN

What do you do when your sky is blue, but you can see a storm coming? Hunker down in the closest safe place? Hide until the worst is over? Maybe or perhaps you decide to confront the storm, put on your rain hat and coat, and what about those rubber boots regardless of style. And remember there is still common sense even in challenges. My grandpa Alf would say, "Don't stand under a tree in a storm."

Life is a little like that, at least mine is. Whenever the storms of life invade my safe and tranquil plans, they create uncertainly and their own level of chaos. There are times I want to forget about rising to the challenge or chasing the eye of the storm, and run for cover.

Writers for instance may want to write, but fear paralyzes. Many talk how they write through their fear to allow creativity to flow. Learning something new can be so intimidating we might decide not to do it.

"Fear is neither good nor bad—it’s simply an emotional weather vane that lets us know where we are meeting or anticipating challenge" (Sage Cohen/Reader's Digest). 

Perhaps it's important to decide if what you want to do is worth persisting and finding a way through it. It was Mae West who said, 'Love conquers all things except poverty and toothache.' That's a huge statement, but those of us who have lived through some pretty heavy duty storms know that when we are loved and have reason to love, we are given the tenacity to press on. 

Some time ago a friend who had practiced and prepared for a concert, stumbled on a path and broke her wrist. She could not play her Sonata, but she read a poem that she'd previously written. Her love to share her gift of creativity in word rather than with a piano was graciously received. She obviously overcame the dark clouds in her life. 

I like to think some storms give opportunity to wear a different coloured rain hat or spiffy green rubber boots.

I Corinthians 13:13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Donna
donnamann.org (all books available through website)
Agnes Macphail series: Brucedale Press or Independant Bookstores
Little Red Barn Children's Stories: 
https://itunes.apple.com/al/podcast/little-red-barn-childrens/id988443688?mt=2
A Rare Find: Difficult years of a Canadian Midwife - Amazon + Indie Bookstores
WinterGrief: Personal Response to Grief -
Amazon + Indie Bookstores