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.
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.
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.
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.
What a great response to this theme Miriam. I love your words of encouragement and hope. I feel better whenever I read your posts 🙂
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So glad to hear that Debbie. Thank you! 🙂
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You not only take good photos but you tell a beautiful story with your unique style of narratives. You are phenomenal and I appreciate your rare skills. Thank you for sharing these great photos. 🙂
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What a lovely comment Stella, truly, you’ve made my day. Thank you. 🙂
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You’re most welcome. ❤❤
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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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No need to be sorry, the storm was short lived. But thank you Amor, I appreciate your comment and kind words. 🙂
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An excellent, reflective, post
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Thanks Derrick!
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Well written post with beautiful captures. I like for your writing skill.
http://businessmgtblog.wordpress.com
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Thank you!
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You’re welcome.
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Thanks for those words Miriam, they probably mean different things to different people but I certainly got some comfort and inspiration. Well done 😉
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Good to know Glenys. Thanks for that. Hope you’ve had a good day. 🙂
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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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Puddling, what a great word. Thanks Miriam, it’s always nice to hear from you. xo
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This was so beautiful to read, those photos were so soothing & calming. I love storms x
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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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It will, though it doesn’t make it any easier when you’re in the thick of it. Take care Elizabeth. x
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I’m not there, I’m in Canada, but the news is all about it, so seems close enough!
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Yeah, I can understand that. I’ve always wanted to visit Canada. 🙂
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Great thought
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Thanks!
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You’re gladly welcome
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Through a Melbourne storm come such supportive words. You are 100% correct Miriam.
With the weather we have had the last few days one would not believe that last week was a storm. Gorgeous Melbourne days. Xx
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Totally agree Lorelle and it looks like today’s going to be another beautiful day as well. Enjoy x 🙂
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You too lovely. Xx
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Thanks x 😊
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Ahhhhhhhj i felt like this was written for me Mirriam
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Aww Mich, hope you’re doing okay. xo
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I will be….thanks Mirriam..
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Great post Miriam…very positive.👍
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Thanks Mann. Hope you’re well. 🙂
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Oh yes. I AM GOOD😊
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Glad to hear that. 🙂
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Great advice. Not always easy to follow in the middle of a storm but it always passes.
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Very true George, thanks.
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Ha! I love the duck reference.
I also love storms, but these crazy hurricanes are terrifying and dangerous. Glad to hear you survived yours! 🙂
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Hey Susie, I like storms too but only in small doses and when I’m safely tucked indoors. Take care 🙂
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A lovely post keeping in mind the natural disasters around the world, Miriam. A storm is terrifying no matter what its intensity might be. xx
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I so agree, thanks. Take care xo
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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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Glad to hear that Ophelia was downgraded Brigid. But sorry to hear you’ve had a tough year. I hope life is kinder to you now. Yes, be like those ducklings. Take care xo 🙂
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The calm after the storm is always worth waiting on 🙂
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Sure is Alba. 🙂
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beautifully written, inspirational and those pictures are stunning!
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Thanks so much Michelle. x
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Beautifully said and your images were the perfect match.
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Happy you enjoyed it my friend, thank you.
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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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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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Well written Miriam! Love the positive vibe of the article. Sun will always shine after the storm 🙂
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It will indeed, thanks Cristina 🙂
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And never give up!
Thanks 4 such wise words my kind friend. Ive weathered a fierce monsoon n lovin it here above the clouds. Love 2 u all.
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How wonderful to hear from you! Hope all is well in your world. Big hugs and much love. xo
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sure is, I’ve been invited back in April …
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That’s great. Are you back home again?
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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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So very true and well said Karen. Big hugs across the ocean. x 💕
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Friends on Waverley we’re talking about that storm. We were oblivious it must have completely missed us.
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Must have. Sometimes these storms are localised. It was pretty intense.
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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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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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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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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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Such a beautiful post Miriam. There is always light at the end!<3
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Thanks Amy, I agree.
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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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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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I second that, cheers to resilience, strength, and most definitely paddling like the graceful ducks we are!! Big graceful duck hugs xo ☺💟🐥🦆🐦
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Very beautiful and inspirational words Miriam. Thank you
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Thanks Cath. Glad you enjoyed.
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Such a beautiful post Miriam! I love the message, and the pictures are beautiful. What an adorable duck family 🙂 Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend! xx
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Thanks Jenny, I really appreciate your comment. And yes, a quiet but nice weekend so far. Hope you have a wonderful one. Big hugs xo
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Thank you Miriam💜
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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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Well said my dear friend. Thank you. xo ❤️
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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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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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Thanks, Miriam, I am!!! Big hugs to you! xo
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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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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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Rain and hail doesn’t sound good! 😦 Hope the weather returns to sunny days again. xo
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Ive just come in from the garden now, it’s cool outside and cloudy but still nice. Hope you’re well and skies are blue there. xo 🙂
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That’s good to hear! We have blue skies and sunshine since yesterday. Temps are plummeting though… On the bright side — the leaves are turning red! 🙂
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I love it when the leaves turn red, so pretty. Enjoy 🙂
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