After the Storm

Posted on by Miriam

Within the eye of a storm things can change so quickly, with skies, black with anger, wreaking havoc.

In many parts of the world we’re seeing so much unpredictable weather, overwhelming and fierce in it’s intensity. Mother Nature can be dramatic and unforgiving, but so can human nature.

In the depths of a storm positive moods can become dark and it’s easy to sink into despair.

My skies are bright and clear right now, but this photo theme of Ailsa’s takes me back to days when I felt bereft of hope and when dark clouds felt overwhelming.

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Some days it felt as though those clouds would never lift, like that silver lining was just a myth.

Last week we were hit with an incredibly intense, short lived but dramatic spring storm here in Melbourne.

It paled in comparison with Hurricane Irma, Ophelia and others, but it still packed a punch. The force of the rain saw my gutters overflowing like a thundering waterfall.


It was intense, deafening and it shook the house. The ferocity of it was scary, yet afterwards the air was still.

Storms never last forever. The rain eventually stops, leaving patches of grey but also a new calm, a stillness and a cleansing period. 

Tears eventually subside too.

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To all my friends out there who are struggling, remember, there’s always, ALWAYS light after the storm. There’s always calmness beneath the tension, deep down within us, and a centre of peace.

Waves that were rough eventually mellow, skies lighten, flowers grow, even when untended, and moods lift.

Life continues so reach out.

Whether it’s in the form of a friend, a phone call, a hug, a walk in nature or a shift in focus, reach out and know you will ride the storm out. It will pass.

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When it does you’ll be able to navigate the waters smoothly and serenely, a bit like these newly born ducklings I saw yesterday.

Life never gives you more than you can handle.

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming …

Stay in the moment, stay focused on what’s in front of you, like these ducks are doing.

And if all else fails, take a cue from our duckling friends, stay calm on the surface but paddle like crazy underneath!  

You’ll get there. 

In light and peace. 

In response to Ailsa’s Travel Theme: Storm

May the skies above you be bright and beautiful and may you always see that silver lining. 

86 thoughts on “After the Storm”

  3. Im sorry to hear about the storm. Words of encouragement, like yours, are most of the time what people need when their skies are grey. I’m happy I’m subscribed to your blog because I get to immediately see this post. There are no storms here in Singapore, but it’s a blessing to have ‘heard’ your positivity, exactly what I need this day. 🙂
    – amor

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  7. Thank you Miriam, as always you share deep thoughts with your stunning pictures.
    Your words carry beauty and strength. I do love the analogy between storms outside and inside.
    How similar they can be. Yes, keep puddling like the ducklings.:)
    miriam

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  9. Wonderful post dear Miriam, the weather is really crazy recently. South of US and Caribbean are suffering so much with all the hurricanes and storms. People are in despair. But like you said, it will pass.

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  17. We had storm Ophelia overhead yesterday. Thankfully it downgraded from a hurricane. It is incredibly calm here today. Your post so resonates with my life right now. It has been a very tough year but I am staying afloat like those ducklings. 😊

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  21. Great post, and here’s hoping for some quiet for those places that need the respite. We’re in the calm between two rainstorms out here on the west coast – I like the heavy rain, but prefer the blue skies! Heading off the island and back across the Rockies soon, and a lot of that rain will be snow up top, should be an interesting trip.

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    1. Thanks PC. Yes, a respite from storms is good. We’re currently in blazing sunshine and hot temperatures, the weather is so changeable. How funny, I was literally just saying to someone that Canada and the Rockies is on my “to visit” list. Lucky you! Take care out there and have a great trip. 🙂

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  24. It’s even more important than ever with so much political unrest along side the weather system events. The universe is speaking, mother nature is fussing, and we need to strive to find the positives. I think we all may feel better if we help each other unleash the warmth that lies within each human heart. Thanks for the reminder that each and every storm passes. 🙂 ❤

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  26. What a great message, Miriam! And I liked the way you likened depression and despair to a storm. It is so dark when we are going through those times and we do feel slammed around, helplessly, by the events around us. But storms do always pass…. Thanks for this, Miriam. I think it helped a lot of people.

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    1. Thanks Ann. I know personally there were days when I really did feel helpless and, as you say, “slammed around’. It’s definitely no fun but, I guess if we realise it’s temporary somehow it makes it easier to get through. I hope you’re well. x

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      1. I am doing well. Went through a minor storm of my own recently, but the sun is shining again. Thanks for your honesty and your willingness to share with others. That makes it easier for all of us to acknowledge the times when we are dealing with storms….

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        1. Glad to hear you’re doing well Ann and that the sun is shining again. Must admit today is one of those stormy days for me, I’m in a very low mood. I need to take my own advice and tell myself it’ll pass.

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  28. Oh wow Miri, that is simply beautiful! So profound….and you are so right. We all have our storms and we all come out the other side…usually wiser and more appreciative. I love what you say about the ducks…looking calm on the surface but paddling like crazy underneath. Boy that water really was gushing from your gutters…what a ferocious storm, as you said…so glad all is well, and there was no damage. We are more resilient than we realize and if we can just keep the faith that for every storm there is a reason and one that will benefit us then maybe we can weather the next one with a little more comfort and ease!! I love this post my sweet lady…you offer such words of wisdom! Big silver lining hugs xo 🙂

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    1. Aw Deb, thank you so much for your heartfelt words, you know how much they mean to me. Yes, we are more resilient than we think, all of us, but how often we forget or lack the courage or foresight to see the silver lining. I’ve certainly been living my words lately, as you know, and you have too my friend. Here’s to resilience, strength and paddling like (graceful) ducks. Big hugs xo 🙂

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  31. Such sound advice Miriam! We have much to be taught from nature Herself ❤ Thank you for this wonderful insight – may we always keep our heads above the water, even when we feel we are drowning xx

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  32. I am so disappointed that I didn’t read this post earlier because it brought a massive smile to my face and so much peace to my heart. Storms certainly do pass, and the light always returns, this I know. Thank you for being someone who always lifts others and inspires us all to keep swimming. Lots of love, Miriam. xo

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    1. Aw thanks so much Tanya. I know that you’ve weathered your fair share of storms but I’m glad this post brought a smile and some peace to you. I hope that you’re in a good place right now. Big hugs lovely lady xo

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  33. I hope the weather has settled down, Miriam! Those clouds look scary! I hope the damage wasn’t bad. Nature has been quite finicky these days. The news is never good. Take care my friend and stay safe. xo

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    1. Strange because that storm was weeks back. Since then we’ve had really warm days but today it was back to winter again with rain and hail. Crazy unpredictable weather! Hope you’re well my friend. Love hearing from you. xo 🙂

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