Three years ago, after we had moved to Virginia and settled in our new house, I was browsing Amazon for some wall decor and stumbled onto a piece with a quote I had never read before: They whispered to her, “You cannot withstand the storm.” She whispered back, “I am the storm.”
It gave me chills. I was like, “Where has this saying been all my life?” All that turbulence inside isn’t bringing me down—it’s a part of me—I should use it (for good). It gave me strength. It said I was a force to be reckoned with. That I could keep going. Take one more step, even if it’s nothing more than a crawl.
I’d be lying if I said this is my first thought when I’m in my darkest moments. But when the dust settles, and I’ve had a chance to look at things in a new perspective, it helps. Having the time to stop, be still, and contemplate—remember my fortitude. But Tommy isn’t afforded the luxury of time to ponder at VMI. The program is designed to push even the strongest beyond their limit, and part of that is the constant go, go, go.
So, over the summer, when Tommy was getting ready for his no ordinary journey, I shared with him this quote. It’s not just for girls—the pronouns can easily be changed. They whispered to him, “You cannot withstand the storm.” He whispered back, “I am the storm.” This is another weapon for his arsenal. Another component to help him more than survive. It’s a reminder that he’s strong. Mighty. Resilient. A force of nature.
The storm.
This powerful message is something we would all do well to remember. Because we all fall short at times. Sometimes we land on our faces. Become damaged. But that doesn’t mean we have to stay down. So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed and engulfed by the elements that surround you, tell the turmoil it can’t harm you because you are in control. You are the storm.
‘Til next time!