Riding Out the Storm: Finding Your Anchor in Tough Times
Chris Nelson
VP Federal/Tribal Affairs | Connect with me |Heart Health Advocate | Federal Relations/Strategy Expert | Op-ed author | VHA | DHA | IHS | Tribal Health
First and foremost, I hope you and your loved ones are safe and sound after the relentless battering of Hurricane Helene. Storms like these can be terrifying, swirling with uncertainty and fear. But if you’re reading this today, it means you made it through the night. You’re here. And that, in itself, is a tremendous victory worth celebrating.
Weathering the Storm Together
Every storm carries a story, and sometimes the most profound lesson is simply learning to hold on. Sailors who brave hurricanes understand that when the winds howl and the waves rage, their best chance for survival is to anchor deep. It’s not about avoiding the storm; it’s about enduring it—finding the strength to remain grounded when everything around you feels chaotic.
If you’re navigating a personal storm right now, know that it’s okay to feel shaken. It’s okay to feel scared. But like those courageous sailors, the most powerful thing you can do is find your anchor—the steadfast force that keeps you steady when the world is anything but. Perhaps it’s a cherished person, an unwavering belief, a treasured memory, or simply hope for brighter days ahead. Embrace that anchor, and let it guide you through the tumult.
Leaning on What Grounds Us
In tough times, we draw strength from the people and values that connect us to our true selves. Remember:
The Storm Will Pass
Hurricane Helene won’t last forever, and neither will your storm. The winds will calm, and the skies will clear. When they do, you’ll still be standing—perhaps a little weathered, but standing nonetheless. You didn’t get swept away; you held on.
Take solace in this truth. Your story doesn’t end with the storm; it’s merely a chapter in your epic journey. If you find yourself in the thick of it now, take a deep breath. Anchor yourself in what matters most. Trust that there are people ready to help you navigate this journey. Remember: every storm runs out of rain. You will emerge from this experience stronger and more resilient than ever before.
When the skies clear, you’ll be ready to sail forward with renewed vigor, carrying a story of strength that can inspire others who may face their own storms someday