Navigating the Storm
Reclaiming Control When Life Feels Overwhelming
Hi everyone, and happy Monday,
This week, I’ve been reflecting on a moment that stuck with me. While teaching, I overheard one of my students expressing how they feel like they’re failing and struggling with their place in drama school. It wasn’t the first time I’ve sensed this kind of weight in the room. It’s a demanding space to be in—full of expectations, self-doubt, and the constant drive to improve.
That moment reminded me of a powerful quote from The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk:
"Trauma is not what happens to you, but what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you."
Drama school, or any intense challenge, can sometimes feel like a storm we can’t escape—a whirlwind of critiques, comparisons, and self-imposed pressures. But this quote reminds us that what shapes us isn’t the storm itself but how we navigate it.
When everything feels out of control, the one thing we can influence is our inner response. Instead of letting struggles define us, we can choose to name them, sit with them, and decide how to move forward. It’s not about dismissing the hard stuff; it’s about recognizing that it doesn’t have to own us.
For those of you in similar spaces—whether it’s drama school, a demanding workplace, or even just the everyday overwhelm—what would it look like to focus on how you process the moment rather than being consumed by it?
This week, I encourage you to pause and breathe. Reframe the challenges you’re facing. Instead of seeing them as roadblocks, can you view them as tools for growth? It’s not easy, but it’s where resilience begins.
Let’s not forget that we’re all navigating our own storms—and sometimes, just naming them makes the waters a little calmer.
Take care of yourselves this week.
M x