The Truth About Storms: Why Strength Isn’t Always the Answer

We’ve all grown up drawing those happy little clouds in the corner of our notebook paper—smiling suns, cartoon puffs of white fluff. But anyone who’s ever flown through a real storm cloud knows the truth: it’s loud, it’s bumpy, and you can’t see anything.

That’s how life feels sometimes—like you’re flying blind through turbulence, just trying to hold on.

Not Everything That Looks Friendly Is Good for You

Just like clouds look soft but can beat up a plane, some people, routines, and opportunities in your life look good but hurt you in the long run.

• That “friend” who constantly drains you? That’s a cloud.

• That shortcut you took in business that’s starting to backfire? Also a cloud.

• That fast path you took to avoid discomfort? That’s the convenience that’s quietly costing you progress.

Convenience always has a price. You see it in health, you see it in leadership, and you definitely see it in results. The higher your goals, the less room you have for what’s merely convenient.

Know Your Aircraft

Pilots study their aircraft. They know what the plane can handle. They know which storms they can fly through and which they need to avoid. You have to do the same with your life.

• If you’re emotionally exhausted, don’t sign up for a battle you’re not ready for.

• If your body is breaking down, don’t expect it to carry you through another sprint.

Taking off in a broken plane doesn’t make you brave. It makes you dangerous—to yourself and to the mission.

Sometimes rest is more heroic than action. Sometimes pulling back is the power move.

Keep the Nose Up

If you’re in a storm right now—mentally, emotionally, spiritually—remember this: Clouds don’t stretch to space. Every storm has an end. You may not know how long it’ll last, but you know it won’t last forever. Your only job is to stay level. Keep the nose pointed just slightly up. Don’t crash. Don’t dive. Just hold.

Avoid the Storm-Chasers

Some people live in the storm. Not because they have to—but because it gives them something to complain about. These people chase rain clouds and wear chaos as an identity.

Don’t be that person. And don’t surround yourself with them either.

Action Steps:

• Identify any “convenient” solutions you’ve been leaning on that are actually hurting you.

• Ask yourself if you're healthy—mentally and physically—enough to weather the storm you're in.

• Commit to rest if needed. Real strength includes recovery.

• Watch your surroundings. Stop entertaining people who live in chaos.