Chasing The Storm

I'm currently in a transitional phase, and during this time, I've been somewhat pushed back to reflect on past wounds and my journey up to this point. With the storms that took place over the past two days, I found myself nostalgic about photography.

Honestly, I haven’t been going out much; I’ve been focused on myself, my health, my babies, and work. So, being able to pick up my camera once in a while when it calls to me makes me feel somewhat alive. But what truly caught my attention as I reflect more deeply on this part of my life is the beauty of fleeting moments and the unconscious trust falls, we make in life.

There’s an undeniable thrill in chasing the storm—the dark clouds gathering on the horizon, the electric pulse of anticipation that runs through the air. It’s a pursuit driven by curiosity, a desire to feel alive, to stand at the edge of chaos, and embrace the wild energy that beckons. In those moments, the storm appears as a dance just for us—a fierce and powerful force awakening something deep within.

But with that excitement comes danger. Lightning flashes dangerously close, winds roar with unrestrained fury, and waves of chaos threaten to sweep us away. It’s a delicate dance—balancing thrill and risk—and in that dance, we see a reflection of ourselves: our courage, our fears, and our willingness to step into the unknown. Because, ultimately, the storm isn’t just a force of nature; it’s a mirror of our own journey.

Not all storms are bad. In truth, they are neither wholly destructive nor entirely benign—they simply are. It depends on how we choose to see them. Sometimes, what others perceive as chaos is merely a necessary upheaval—an invitation to shed what no longer serves us. Nothing in life is entirely bad; every storm carries the seed of renewal. The wildness of the tempest can clear the way for growth, transforming destruction into a foundation for something new.

To navigate the storm, we must be brave enough to venture into our own unknown. Just as the sky unleashes unshakable waves of chaos—rain pounding down, wind tearing through the air—we are called to confront our fears and uncertainties. Sometimes, we have to let things fall apart first—to break free from what confines us—before we can rebuild stronger and wiser. And in those moments of upheaval, there’s a quiet promise: after the chaos, calm will return.

And it does. After the storm’s fury, a cool breeze whispers through the air—a refreshing reminder that renewal often follows chaos. The rain cleanses the earth, filling the world with clarity and calm. The storm, in all its wildness, teaches us that even in destruction, there is beauty—an opportunity to start anew. We learn that sometimes, we must fall to rise again, trusting that beyond the dark clouds, the sun will shine once more.

Chasing the storm is more than a reckless pursuit; it’s a reflection of our resilience. Facing life’s tempests with courage means accepting that chaos is an essential part of growth. And in doing so, we discover that even in the fiercest storms, there is a quiet grace—a chance to find ourselves again, guided by the wind’s whisper and the promise of clearer skies ahead.

**And as we stand amidst the fury, remember: in order to move forward, we must first go within. Within the chaos of our lives, our minds, and our emotions—our answers lie hidden in the eyes of the storm. Only by embracing the turbulence inside can we truly find the calm that awaits beyond and rebuild a stronger foundation for what’s to come.**

And, as I reflect on all of this, I am grateful I took those chances—sometimes literally chasing after the storms, whether literal or metaphorical. Those moments, those risks, have brought me to views I am grateful only I got to see. Because in those wild pursuits, I found and connected to parts of myself that were shamed or unwelcome, and discovered aspects I might never have uncovered otherwise—lessons in trust, courage, and resilience that continue to shape me.