Beauty is in the eye of the storm

by

IMG_2559The other night I was outside putting the pool toys away and I noticed our beautiful sunset – vibrant colors colliding with heavy monsoon clouds, and palm tree silhouettes teasing me with the notion of a far-off tropical paradise. I quickly snapped a photo and it got me thinking…

During the Arizona summer monsoon storm season, we battle flooded streets, down electrical poles, uprooted trees, and vicious winds. But we also gain exceptionally beautiful sunsets, cleaner air, and much-needed rain to moisturize our otherwise dry, thirsty land. So much good comes from these storms, in spite of the messes they often leave behind.

As humans, we all experience life’s “storms.” And we all tend to be painfully aware of the mess and destruction they can leave behind in our lives. But, what do we gain from these storms? Are we able to see the silver lining, the glass half full, or the opposite side of the same coin? Perhaps these storms show us who are our true friends, or teach us an important life lesson, or create a new path we never thought possible.

As I often tell my clients, living a happy, fulfilling life isn’t about avoiding the storms; it’s about surviving them and, more importantly, appreciating whatever good may arise.

If you like this, then please share!

Dr. Ashley Southard

Scottsdale, AZ, USA

Dr. Ashley Southard is a Complex Trauma Therapist and Eating Disorder Expert. Check her out on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook for heartfelt inspiration and life-changing education.