Finding time to deal with disaster is not a subject that we relish writing about. But it’s something we all need to be prepared for, as Hurricane Irene most recently reminded us.
When confronted with sudden change, one key coping strategy is to take a step back and give yourself time to let your feelings out about what has happened.
Let feelings out…
You’ll notice I didn’t say “explore”, but “let out”. You can take time to explore later, but in the heat of the moment it’s vital to “take the top off” in a safe setting. This will help you think as clearly as possible as quickly as possible. Doing this gives you access to you best problem-solving abilities, as you meet whatever challenges arise.
Once you have done what you can to clear the air for yourself, it’s important to quickly assess the situation, and address emergent challenges and problems. Mitigate the immediate damage as best you can, and prepare for whatever the next step might be.
Throughout the process, as you sort things out, be aware that you may need to take moments here and there to safely vent feelings of frustration and loss that will muddy the waters if left to fester. Then you can return to your practical problem-solving with more clarity and positive energy.
Attitude of Gratitude.
In the midst of unexpected change, there are always things to be grateful for. When you reflect on what you are grateful for you create a nourishing base of positive energy for yourself. This is a vital and affirming touchstone that can sustain you through turmoil as you deal with disaster.
It is remarkably helpful to open yourself to the process of unfolding change. Your focus will shift and narrow to what lies straight ahead as you deal with disaster. Don’t fight it. As time moves forward, your vista will widen again.
3 Things…
Here are 3 things that you can count on as you deal with disaster … even as you feel like your world has been turned upside down:
- With each moment, the impact and ramifications of what has happened will be felt, like ripples on water.
- With each moment you will have new challenges and opportunities to respond to.
- And with each choice you make, you shape the next moment.
A disaster like Hurricane Irene can feel like it is a single event in time – but really, that event is just the start of a moment-by-moment evolution that can take you in directions that you might never have imagined. Remaining as open as you can to this process is a wonderful gift you can give yourself!
These skills will simplify and deepen your experience as you deal with disaster … or most anything. And they can be lifesavers! How can you apply them in your life?
Let’s explore time together …
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