After the Storm Clears

"I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship." ---Louisa May Alcott

I live in a place where the air can get foul during the winter months. In fact, I recently read that the area I reside is in the top five most polluted areas in the USA in air quality. It is a beautiful area but during the winter we experience an inversion and you can literally see the air you breathe. It is a horrible sight when you look around and the mountains you are only a couple miles from are hidden from what appears to be a dense fog, but is thick smog.

A good winter storm hit our area Friday night into early Saturday morning. The result is a beautiful, breathtaking sight. The storm or any storm can be tumultuous; however, in its wake is a winter wonderland with the most beautiful mountains. The air is once again clear, invisible and fresh.

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." ---John Muir

I am reminded of my life and the lives of many. We face tremendous storms that challenge our faith, resolve and confidence. The amazing thing about humanity is that we alone can determine the results after the storm clears. I honestly believed that weight loss would be my largest challenge in life. Life hit me squarely in the face and let me know that weight loss is small compared to the complicated waters of human relationships. The storm that I encountered and the ongoing animosity, false accusations and cruelty left me extremely hurt and without confidence. I never saw it coming and I would never wish it on anyone.

"Show me a hero and I will write you a tragedy." ---F. Scott Fitzgerald

There are many heroes in my storm and so many I will forever be grateful. Three literally reached down and lifted me to a higher ground. My beautiful wife Shelby showed me what true love and support really is and can be. My Shelby (I love saying that, but not in a possessive way), healed my heart and soul. I am eternally grateful for Shelby and grateful that she was by my side through much of the storm. Sadly, she personally witnessed much of my storm. She witnessed me get beat down on several occasions. Repeatedly her strength and love would lift me up and point me in the proper direction. The other two heroes are the two people on this planet that I have the awesome opportunity to be called their father. My gorgeous Alexandra and my handsome son Kaden are my heroes. They have been asked to endure much and are the most amazing children. All I have to do is look into their eyes and see why life is so precious. I cherish every moment they spend at my home and with our family.

However, with all that has happened and the ongoing trials the time eventually comes to make a decision. Do you succumb to the trials or do you learn, grow and move forward. Remaining stuck in a continuous onslaught of demoralizing and stressful rhetoric or deciding to hear it no more and stand for your beliefs. Making a stand for those you love and for yourself that you will no longer take part in the drama. I choose to move forward and leave behind all of the negative past, present and future and focus on being the very best person I can become.

My attention is once again focused on the journey and becoming more than I am. Once again, I will learn, grow and improve. I have learned many valuable lessons through the storm. Enjoy life and live it to its fullest. Life is an absolute gift that we truly do not appreciate nearly enough. Look around you and you will see those that live life full. They are the ones that are eager and first to hit the dance floor. They marvel at the beauty of this world and its people. They see the positive instead of the negative. They are quick to forgive and slow to anger. They laugh and enjoy life every chance they get. They are the ones that are scarred from the storms of life. They are the ones that are still standing when the storm moves on. They are the ones that have decided the storm left in its wake a beautiful, clear and bright future.

"Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never-in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy. ---Winston Churchill

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." ---Helen Keller