Ever notice how some people carry a thundercloud around like it’s a designer handbag? You walk into the room, the vibe is good, then—boom!—the storm breaks out. Daggers in the eyes, tension in the air, and you’re left wondering if you missed the memo about umbrella day.
Here’s the thing: storms aren’t always about you. Most of the time, they’ve been brewing long before you stepped into the forecast. But you can decide whether you become the lightning rod or the lighthouse.
Step One: Don’t match the volume
If someone’s energy is loud, sharp, or frosty, resist the urge to fight thunder with thunder. No need to add your own storm clouds. Think: “Cool breeze,” not “Category 5 winds.”
Step Two: Humor is your umbrella
Laughter is like a pressure valve—it lets steam out without an explosion. A lighthearted comment can break the tension, not by mocking the person, but by reminding everyone we’re still human. (And hey, sometimes even you need to laugh so you don’t cry.)
Example: If someone’s glaring like they’re auditioning for the next vampire flick, you could say with a grin, “Wow, that look could butter toast from across the room—you doing okay?” It flips the script from tension to chuckle.
Step Three: Offer safety, not shade
Most storms come from insecurity or hurt. If you give a little warmth—a kind word, a genuine smile—you remind them the sky doesn’t always have to be gray. And if they’re still spitting rain? You’re free to step back, because boundaries are also umbrellas.
Step Four: Keep your own peace dry
Even if the other person stays stormy, you don’t have to get drenched. Protect your peace like it’s your favorite pair of shoes—nobody’s mud puddle gets to ruin them. Sometimes the win isn’t calming their storm—it’s not letting it wash you away.
The Gentle Truth:
We live in a world quick to snap, quick to assume, and quick to storm. But storms lose their grip when one person decides to stay calm, sprinkle humor, and let grace do the talking.
Because sometimes the real miracle isn’t stopping the thunder—it’s being the steady, ridiculous, light-hearted soul who brings a rainbow into the mess.
May your storms be short, your umbrellas sturdy, and your humor healing. Remember: you can’t control the thunder, but you can control whether you’re wearing flip-flops through the puddles. Being the lighthouse doesn’t mean you have to power the whole coast—just shine where you stand.
Love and grace,
Tina N. Campbell | Scribed in Light
Scribed In Light 
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