It happened again.
Hurricane Helene. Then Milton.
This is my third year in Florida, so I felt prepared. Can you ever prepare enough for a natural disaster?
Judging from my week of flooding themed dreams recently, not really. 🫠
When we experience trauma that's a deeply distressing or distrurbing experience - whether it’s a big "T" trauma or a little "t" trauma (a hurricane could be either depending on the circumstances) - allow the space to process, express, and share any experiences when ready.
This was not the big T on my end - thankfully my house didn't get flooded or swept away like many others did, and I still have a house. I do have a big pile of debris at the curb bigger than myself (this pic was taken Oct 27th in front of our home)! I do count it was a little t as I was thinking for a straight week about it and not knowing how things would go. Even many little 't's' can feel like a big T when there's enough.
With every adversity whether it’s dealing with a natural disaster or the unexpected, we can choose to show up for ourselves and and each other when we are literally in the midst of chaos. Whether it’s the palm tree fronds whipping around or the seeing the aftermath of tree limbs and roof tiles scattered everywhere, or being without power for a week, I am reminded of a few things that Milton the messenger brought.
If I had to sum up the top 3 big lessons, here they are:
While things feel out of your control, you are always in control of you. You are not helpless - you can show up prepared, alert, and knowing you’ve done all you can do and be ok in those choices. It’s way too easy to feel helpless and write it all off as a victim of circumstance. I was constantly toggling between “holy %#$@ moments” to “this too shall pass”
Be grateful for what you have. Nothing reminds you more of your humanity, and how insignificant you truly are when up against life-threatening events. This was a fierce reminder to always be grateful for the little things - the clean air I breathe, the roof over my head, food on the table. I found myself saying and praying a lot to God, “Thank you for reminding me of all of my privilege. I am so so grateful to have what I have."
It’s ok to feel scared, loss, angry, upset and all the so-called “negative” emotions. While in Florida, I felt so in-it I wasn’t expressing much. When we don’t express, the feelings don’t evaporate, they get stored in the body. Expression can be journaling, curling up in a ball for a good cry, and connecting with others to share what you are experiencing - whatever works for you.
My heart goes out to all in Florida, those in the North Carolina Helene floods and across the US impacted.
I continue to keep those close to my heart for all those impacted and know that together, we can persevere. Resilience is a lot of what we learn from Milton's messages - to continue to honor these 3 lessons above and to continue to support those in need.
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