No matter where we live in the world, storms happen on many different levels, whether it be hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, fires, or otherwise.
It is always better to be prepared in advance for the onslaught of one. Because if we aren’t, the havoc and stress of the situation could be detrimental to our own health and well-being.
We see every day how nature sometimes takes an unruly course somewhere in the world, causing locals in that area to have to deal with extreme circumstances just to stay alive and to protect their property. Lately we have seen this in B.C.’s interior where a forest fire has been ravaging the tourist town of Penticton.
People have been on alert and making plans to get away if need be, as well as doing whatever they can at a moment’s notice to protect their property, or at the very least, take their most beloved possessions out of harm’s way. Far south of the border, states were preparing for a momentous event of two storms emerging and bombarding the coast almost at the same time. Those who are wise are preparing and boarding up their homes, taking care of immediate necessities and making a getaway plan before the event happens.
I think one of the most important tips on storm preparedness is to stay calm and use common sense to make smart decisions; prepare with a strategy. Use safety precautions and be aware of fundamental dangers that could occur. Be aware of others standing by, whether it be children or animals. Keep them all out of harm’s way. Most importantly, pay attention to your own health, stay hydrated and make sure you have the necessities of life at arm’s reach to sustain you and your family for a few days following a disaster.
On another level, storms happen in our lives, too.
I don’t think I have ever experienced a season in my life with so many challenges happening one after another. Starting in February with breaking my hip and recovery, COVID-19 lockdowns and self-isolating after a brief getaway out of country, children and grandchildren coming home for moral support for a length of time after their livelihood was challenged because of the pandemic, a substantial earthquake in the district where we have a condo that caused some minor damage, the death of my mother and bringing my father home to our house for a length of time in support, along with all the details that need to be facilitated in this circumstance, and lots of summer visits from family living a distance away to encourage dad along the way.
I am not complaining; there is no reward in bitterness. It is what it is, but I just want to say, as humans we need to be aware of the possibility of life challenges coming along sometime or other in our lives. In all of it, it is not what happens to us but how we deal with these things that makes or breaks us. We need to be prepared in advance by doing what we can to stay healthy and strong, but more importantly, work on building an internal strength that will sustain us through the challenges of life.
For me, I have a faith in a God who says He is always with me, giving me strength to overcome and will never allow me to go through more than I can withstand. In this, I have confidence and can continue to embrace life with a smile and optimism. Life is worth the effort and through all the hills and valleys it presents, it is in each one of us to determine the quality of life we want to embrace.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
