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Finding peace in the storms that show up in my life is a lesson that I continue to work through on a daily basis. It’s mucky, uncomfortable, and at times feels impossible to stand in. Even after all the years I’ve been doing this work and all the progress I’ve made to grasp and hold on to self-love, the roaring thunder of emotions can sometimes still have the power to drown out any ounce of clarity that could possibly make sense or make me feel at ease. When I’m trekking through the middle of turbulence, it is difficult to envision the beauty, or blessings, after the storm. The greatest lesson my healing and self-awareness have taught me is this: Despite all the work I have done to arrive in a place of joy and contentment, there is still so much more to be considered. There is still much more to be done. Unfolding never stops, no matter how successful we become, how full we feel, or how at ease we may believe ourselves to be. There is always a next step, another way, and more to absorb. Growing up, I thought my childhood would last forever, and then I’d step into adulthood, knowing everything I know now with little to no experience, and thrive! That is not how life happened for me, or anyone else I know. I wish someone told my younger self that there is no end point or arrival date, ever. If I were speaking to thirteen-year-old me today, I would tell her that when we stop learning how to move through adversity, if we choose to sit in our enlightenment without exploring further evolution, we become stagnant and satisfied with stunted growth. The goal for me is to continue learning how to dance in the rain, even if it’s mixed with tears as I learn my way. All of life’s complexities are showing me that my intention should always be rooted in addressing the storms, instead of hiding from them. As I mature, shift, and take shape, I am finding new ways to navigate the valleys of suffering that are predestined to occur. During my crusade through self-discovery, I am continuously reminded that I am a student, and I will always be one. That is the gift even when we feel uncertain or lost in our current season. In order to grow, we, like the transition of autumn and rebirth of spring, must also prepare to shed and begin again.In pursuance of blooming, there must be rain. As we wait for the downpour to cease and new light to emerge, patience is our best and dearest friend. The sun will be on the horizon again, eventually. I am learning on a daily basis how to lead and live a meaningful life. How to create space for my healing and grief to coexist, paint my own picture, tell my own story, and remove the shame that comes with emotional duality. Often, it isn’t until we are flooded with gratitude from our vast and unique experiences, even the ones that hurt the most, that we are given the gift of glory. This book is a collection of lessons, reminders, and meditations that have helped push me into a place of self-compassion and reflection. Through these lessons, I have discovered grace and awareness of possibility. My writing is birthed from a place of resilience, perseverance, and the discovery of self-advocacy. It’s rooted in the soil of finding my footing, reveling in belonging, and owning my truth in a way that is honest and faithful to the girl I was and the woman I am today. After the rain, truth finds a way to shine through the clouds, reminding us all that we are deserving of healing. That we’re worthy of change. That we are built to expand and stretch into our best selves. As you travel your own path, no matter the season or situation, I want this body of work to give you hope. Envelop yourself in these pages for comfort, belonging, and a sense of comradery. I hope these words settle into the soft part of your heart with this simple reminder: You are not alone. Here’s to dancing in the rain, and believing that triumph is on the other side of trepidation. Yours truly, ALEX ELLE