November 2nd – Haruka Murakami

Today’s ‘words of wisdom’ come from Japanese writer  Haruka Murakami. 

“When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in.  That’s what this storm is all about.”

– Haruka Murakami (Kafka on the Shore)

In my mind, that is what all of life’s storms are about – to change us.   

My mother used to tell me “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”.  At the time, I thought she was literally talking about death and I would think  ‘Just kill me already’.   🙄 As time went on and I saw my experiences and the experiences of others from a distance, I realized she was talking about becoming a survivor and thriving or giving up and being left broken.   

Through my life, I have been through many storms.  Inevitably,the storms have helped me to survive and thrive.   Sadly, I have seen others who did not fare as well.   I don’t know why I was one of the fortunate ones.   I do credit the example set by my father, who had amazing strength in overcoming adversity – humor, integrity, perseverance and more.   I also credit my mother and her many other favourite phrases, such as “If you want to whine, I’ll give you something to whine about!”.  😧  Failure was never an option in my mother’s family – we were brought into this world to survive the storms and thrive. 

I love these words by Haruka Murakami.   They ring true for me, especially now.   For a couple of years now, we have been caught up in this global pandemic.   Worst in my mind, has been the ongoing efforts to ‘protect’ everyone from the stress and mental anguish of this passing storm. It might change us. And it just might change us for the better. It might make us stronger. That is what such storms are all about. (Note: I am not callous or un-compassionate to those who’s lives have been devastated by Covid. My intention is NOT to minimize their pain and grief , loss and sacrifice in any way. 💞)

But for most of us, this storm has been, more than anything, an opportunity for change. For most of us this storm has been an opportunity to become stronger – more patient, more kind, more compassionate, more grateful – as individuals, families, communities and as mankind as a whole.

Once this storm has passed, there will be those who will have survived and thrived and there will be those who gave up and are left broken. Most unfortunate in my mind, are those who will come through oblivious that there was a storm – those who were coddled and carried and sheltered from the storm.

That is my thoughts for the day. As always, feel free to comment below.

Take care and have a great day. 💞