Is There an App for Life's Storms?
Yesterday as my husband and I were driving back from a day-trip to the beach, there was a terrible rainstorm accompanying us on the interstate.
It was the kind of storm that made me drive slower, open my eyes wider, sit forward, grip tighter and put my hazards on. It was raining so hard that I couldn’t see the cars in front of me. I told myself, “Just put your hands on the wheel and drive.”
Sitting in the passenger seat was my navigator who helpfully informed me that it was raining very hard. (By the way, he too was sitting forward in his seat. Nobody rests well in that kind of storm.)
Trying to be helpful, he found the weather app on his phone. He told me the storm was following us. Later, he shared that we would be passing through it pretty soon. I am not proud that I snapped with the first bit of information saying something like, “It doesn’t really help me to know that this rainstorm is going to be with us for a while!” But I have to admit, it was comforting to hear, “we are almost through this.” And maybe it really does help to know what's ahead.
Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a “Storm App” for life? It could tell us how quickly we’d pass through the storm – i.e., those rough patches in life. The app would tell us what it knows to be true. Its messages would not be warning messages but messages of comfort to help us move forward on our journeys.
What would an app like this say to us?
It might say: the rain is going to be here for a while.
I know it is not easy right now but the rain is here for a reason.
It’s going to be okay.
Concentrate.
Hold tight.
Keep your eyes open.
Focus forward.
Slow down.
Pull over and rest if you need to.
Put your hazards on – let others around you know that this is a difficult drive. They will slow down too – they will look out for you and be aware that you are on the road with them.
Be careful and be sure to take care of yourself.
It might say: you are almost through the storm.
Take a deep breath.
Relax your grip.
You can turn your hazards off now – look to the road ahead.
Get ready to drive a little faster again.
You have done very well.
There is sunlight ahead.
It might say: there is probably some rain ahead - somewhere. (This is not the message I enjoy hearing when I am on any journey but it is important to be well-prepared to ensure our own success.
Make sure everything is in good working order. (Have you been doing your regular maintenance? Have you been taking care of yourself? Make sure you are balanced and healthy - inside and out. Proactive work in this area may prevent a rainstorm or two.)
Breathe. (Take a slow deep breath. Don’t forget to make this a part of your regular maintenance. It is so simple and yet so helpful to every moment of our lives.)
Keep your connections strong. (Connect with your Higher Source. Connect with the people that you love. Connect with the positive influences in your life. Who gives you strength and energy? Spend more time with them.)
Where are you on life's journey? Which of these messages do you need to hear from your "Storm App" right now?
Wherever you are on life’s journey, I promise that sunshine is inevitable. So are a few storms. But the storms can be cleansing – bringing us brighter colors, clear vision and renewed energy. Dig in during the storm and allow yourself to pass through.
Look for it. Wait for it. Enjoy this road – right now – and prepare yourself to be the very best this day. Refresh yourself. And celebrate all that awaits.
© Kathy Sturgis, Ph.D. Kathy is founder of Refreshment Zone and is an organizational and personal development specialist with a doctorate in communication. Contact kathy@refreshmentzone.com for more information.