Coping with Storms

The first time I experienced a hurricane was in 1995 and it was a scary experience. People on the Island of Nevis, West Indies, had told me about the hurricane but nothing could have prepared me for the real thing.

Everything in the house was electric so when the power lines went down, so did any hope for a warm meal. Friends and neighbours came to the rescue with a camping stove, daily delivery of flasks of hot water and other necessities.

Few days after the storm was when I saw the indescribable mess and debris. It looked like the island would never be beautiful again. Power lines, cables roofing sheets and bin contents were strewn all over.

I couldn’t see how things could go back to the beauty I once knew.

Within a few days power was restored and workmen began to clear the debris. Neighbours helped each other to do repairs and clear outs. People removed the boards from their house and shop windows and within a few weeks, it was like the hurricane didn’t happen.

This is just like life. Stormy situations come and most times, they leave behind devastation, chaos, debris and mess but they also reveal generosity of friends, kindness of neighbours, strength you didn’t know you had and there’s always the calm after the storm.

There’s also the eye of the storm which I can liken to those little blessings and moments that bring peace, smile, comfort and some encouragement even while we are in the thick of the storm.

I recalled a quote which says “Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path.”

With every storm, many things shift from their original location. This shift goes both ways. Some shifts will be bad while others will be good.

Some storms will help get rid of ‘fair-weather’ friends whilst bringing in truer ones. Other storms make you confront your biggest fears thereby setting you free.

Some storms spark creativity for problem solving and launching of new initiatives. They remind you that life is short and you’ve only got one life to live.

Storms are great at showing us the inner strength and resilience that we never gave attention to and they are fantastic at reminding us of our authentic truths about life.

There is always life beyond the storm. Yes it may take a while for things to go back to normal and sometimes there’s no longer ‘normal’ to go back to. In those instances you find a ‘new normal’.

The Covid-19 crisis has created a lot of storms for people ranging from job losses, business collapses, to loss of loved ones or being unable to be with loved ones for their special occasions or times of needs.

Every storm eventually passes so will this. In the meantime, rely on your friends, family and loved ones to get you through. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Think about what else you can do to occupy your time, attention and energy as you ride out the storm. Keep a journal and you might just be surprised at the gems that come out of you or come to you.

Finally remain trusting and stay positive, remember that the best is always yet to come and that there’s life after the storm passes.

If all you see is devastation, it is time to change the lens through which you are viewing the storm and life as you know it.

Things will go back to normal but while waiting grab a well needed rest, complete those half-executed projects, have a clear out of your wardrobe, house or garage, try out new ideas, reconnect with old friends, update your job resume, write down achievements that could help you land a new job or at the very least boost your morale and learn a new skill.

Remember that you get to shape what your new normal looks like. With the storm comes what could be your greatest opportunities to date. Grab them with both hands and be grateful for them and for life.

Thanks for reading and sharing my post with others.