How Our Storms Make Us Better

Why You Need the Storms of Life to Become Your Best

Let’s be honest—nobody really likes going through the tough times. When life feels like a storm, the last thing you want is to hear someone tell you how "helpful" it is—we've all been there. But I’m here to tell you, the storms of life are absolutely necessary and mostly beneficial. You need them. We all need them. And no, we don’t have to like them, but we’ve got to recognize that they’re growing us in ways that nothing else can. It's what the laws of nature and life demand.

Storms Are Life's Gym

Ever heard of those studies where they grow trees indoors? It’s a pretty wild concept, but here’s what happens: those trees, even though they have perfect conditions—sunlight, water, fertilizer, the whole deal—they don’t grow the way trees do out in the wild. Why? Because they never face any storms. No wind, no rain, no harsh weather to make them stronger and more resilient. Without the storms, they stay smaller, weaker, and just kind of…meh.

Now, think about your life. If everything was smooth sailing all the time, you wouldn’t have much reason to stretch yourself, right? You wouldn’t grow. The hard stuff—the winds of life—is like your personal growth workout. Sure, it might knock you around a bit, but it’s also what’s helping you grow deeper roots and stand taller and fuller.

Storms Blow Away the Weakness

Here’s something I want you to think about. When a storm hits, it doesn’t just make things messy. It blows away what’s weak. The dead leaves, the broken branches—everything that doesn’t belong anymore gets knocked loose. And that’s exactly what happens in your life when you go through tough times. Sometimes it even knocks us down, but unlike trees, we can get back up.

When life throws you into a storm, it’s blowing away the stuff that’s holding you back—the doubts, the fears, the insecurities. It is also removing any unhealthy levels of haughtiness, self-centeredness, and distraction. The things you don’t even realize are weighing you down. Sure, it might feel like chaos while you’re in the middle of it, but when the storm passes, you’re left standing there, tougher, stronger, and ready for new growth. Most storms aren't breaking you; they're making you better by shaking off the stuff that no longer serves you.

You Don’t Have to Weather It Alone

Now, let’s get real—storms stink. And when life is hitting you with one, it’s easy to feel alone. But here’s the deal: you’re not meant to go through it by yourself. Think about it—after a big storm in a town, what happens? People show up to help each other clean up. Friends, neighbors, and even strangers band together because storms are easier to weather and clean up after when you’ve got people by your side.

It’s the same in life. The people around you—your friends, your family, your mentors—they’re your support system when you're weak and vulnerable. You don’t have to stand there on your own, trying to handle everything by yourself. Lean on the people you trust. We’re all in this together, and sometimes, the best part of a storm is realizing how many people care about you, and how you can be that same support system for others when they need it.

Storms Help You Grow—Even If You Don’t Like Them

Obviously we don’t sit around hoping for them, even though they tend to make us stronger we rarely ever wish for them. And you know what? Storms don’t just make you stronger—they make you more compassionate, too. When you’ve been through some stuff, you start to understand what other people are going through. It brings you closer to the people around you because you get it. You’ve been there. That’s one of the real purposes of life—connection. And sometimes, it takes a storm to show us how important that is. People who've been through some stuff are usually more likable, relatable, and authentic.

So yeah, we don’t love storms, but we do usually benefit from them. They’re the ticket of admission into this life, of becoming deeper and higher. And when you come out the other side, you’ll see that you’re not just surviving the storm—you’re usually thriving at some point after.