COMING THROUGH THE STORM

With all the hot and humid weather, it was no surprise that yesterday Ontario suffered through Thunderstorm and Tornado watches. Tons of rain- which must needed for the dry gardens and farms. But who needed any flooding. That too! In life, we have periodic storms to survive. Tough times! Losses! Disappointments! In the middle of the storm, seems like it will never end. But it does. If we are lucky, there may even be a rainbow! For the really lucky ones- a pot of gold!

WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS!

Life can create a series of bad events and twists and turns. It seems that just as you feel better, something else comes along. So if it rains then pours, make sure you have a good umbrella and rain boots to help weather the storm! Are you having a series of bad events lately? How do you weather your storm?

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM

Is one of those English expressions that can have many meanings. We are expecting snow in a big way today so looking outside now it is clear and calm! The snow is coming! Metaphorically, it can mean the calm before a crisis- the storm. Sometimes in our lives when everything feels too good, there can be an ominous feeling something bad will happen or is going to happen. Or there is a ongoing problem that needs resolving! Does it happen from self-fulling prophecy or was it on the way? But no one mentions the calm after the storm. The crisis has passed and the leftover feelings find a place. The heightened energy starts to recede. Is it calm or just relief? Or exhausion? Storms are part of our weather patterns. Storms are part of our lives. The courage to bear with them and see our way through them brings strength of character. Are you facing a storm in your life? Have you just been through a personal storm? Are you picking up the pieces in your life? Remember as each storm rages, it too shall pass and the sun will shine again.

PREPARE EVACUATE RECOVER

These were the words stated over and over due to Hurricane Irene. How many lives were saved? No one will really know. The cynics say too much hype when it became a Tropical Storm- that caused billions of damage, anyway. I like to be as prepared as I can. I need to review all my emergency items like batteries, working flashlights, bottled water in the house. I even asked one of daughters about a safety plan of where we would meet if we all had to evacuate.  Even though I live in an Urban area, a few days without hydro or a flushable toilet would be uncomfortable. All our hearts, prayers and thoughts go to those affected by not only this natural disaster but the last few months that started with Spring floods to Summer storms and all that the weekend brought to the Eastern Seaboard. We will wait to see what the Fall and Winter will bring. No wonder we talk about the weather so much- it really does affect our lives no matter what technology exists!  Are you doing okay today? Were you affected by the weekend storm? Don't give up hope, you will recover!

WEATHERING THE STORM

As the pictures from the Tornado in Goderich, Ontario flash across our screens, we can reflect on other disasters that we have seen. From floods to monsoons to hurricanes to tornados to war zones, no one  on this earth will escape some  adversity in his or her lifetime. We all can have something beautiful that can be destroyed in a short time. The town square in Goderich reminds me of Adolph's hometown Cassino afer WWII. It was a beautiful town before the war and completely rebuilt afterwards. It never was the same picturesque community. Courage and perseverance is needed to start over. To lose our homes and our stuff is not easy. We are often told well the insurance will pay. It does not replace the memories. The anxiety about other future disaster possibilities can manifest itself in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Letting ourselves grieve the situation before moving on is essential. When a community is affected, there is a solidarity in numbers-you do not feel alone! Have you experienced some adversity lately? Do you feel affected by witnessing disasters in the media? Have you weathered a storm recently?

AFTER THE STORM

Passed our way yesterday, it made me reflect on how trouble in our lives can stop us in our tracks. For almost an hour, watching the weather channel, watching the sky for funnel clouds and watching the huge bolts of lightening as well as listening to the thunder that seemed to shake our house. Eventually, the storm system passed. We had no damage but in other areas- downed trees, golf ball sized hail- were recorded. Relief that we were unscathed. Our lives go along in our normal way but there are always events that can change everything. Fires, floods, storms, accidents- well you get the picture. Our fear in the middle of an event can be overwhelming. Most of us like to think we can handle and stay cool through anything . Fear is one of those feelings that has its own agenda. It creeps up on us. Is there anything we can do to control it? If we have the need to be in control, like driving through pounding rain on a highway or helping someone in a disaster. Standing alone is a different matter. Have there been times your own fear of a situation surprised you? Courage can come from fear as we have seen many heros in our lives do extraordinary things. Have you been courageous? Immobilized? After the event could you analyse yourself or were you just happy to be still standing? Some people even say I am not afraid of anything or anyone! I do not know if I am afraid of Mother Nature- I think I respect her- alot!!

NOT ALL ROADS ARE DIFFICULT

Too often in life we can concentrate on the
negative, the problems in any situation. Positive,
optimistic people try to see the silver lining even when
there are many dark clouds. If we actually kept a list
of all the events in our lives, we may discover there are
many neutral events- neither good nor bad, just life!
My recent trip is a case in point. Try to prepare and think of all the possible crisises. Guess what- a good trip with some highlights- like the torrential storm on a part of the drive- of course it was my turn driving! Otherwise, went away safely and returned safely- and the house was still standing and the basement dry! All family members were just fine!
Sometimes the old memories of difficult times resurface and the anxiety plays tricks on us. Preparation is good but letting life happen is better. Can you even tell from the picture it was rainy day in Ottawa? Of course, I was juggling my camera with one hand while I held the umbrella with the other one. Can be positive and prepared at the same time, eh?