Image: Flickr/George Thomas

“Flowers never emit so sweet and strong a fragrance as before a storm. When a storm approaches thee, be as fragrant as a sweet smelling flower.” (Jean Paul Richter)

When storms come our way — and they will if they haven’t already — we should do everything in our power to exude the kind of calm leadership that permeates the air around us with soothing fragrance. We must pause and allow our principles to rule our emotions, rather than the other way around.

That’s no easy task, but it is a grown-up one that we can achieve. And, even if we do not achieve it every time, it’s still one we must attempt. If we don’t, we only end up feeding the storm and adding to its destruction.