I live in Bermuda. During the weekend of August 16 and 17, 2024, Bermuda faced Hurricane Ernesto. By the time it reached the island it was a Category One storm. What made this hurricane different from the many others I've experienced is the winds lasted for some 36 hours and the eye of the storm took about four hours to pass over Bermuda.
After storms, Bermuda cleans up quickly and we get back to normal within hours of receiving the all clear to move around. I've been thinking about the lessons learned as a result of Hurricane Ernesto.
Life is full of storms - literal and figurative. Whether it's a pandemic, personal setbacks, or the daily stresses we all face, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and off-balance. At these times, it's important to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Appreciative Inquiry teaches us to focus on our strengths, successes and what's working well, even amidst difficulties. By shifting our mindset, like a hurricane, we can find pockets of calm in the midst of the chaos.
Here are some tips for weathering life's storms:
Embrace Stillness
In the eye of the hurricane, there is stillness. Make time each day to pause, breathe deeply and quiet your mind. Meditation, journaling, or simply sitting in nature can help you find inner peace and clarity.
Reflect and Reframe
When facing a challenge, take a step back to gain perspective. What have you learned from past difficulties that can help you now? How can you reframe the situation in a more positive light? Focusing on growth and gratitude builds resilience.
During the hurricane I was messaging with a friend. I expressed my impatience for the storm to be over. She said, "Embrace the gifts of just being with the ones you love. They needed what you have and you need what they have to be replenished." This reframe helped to me to relax further and be present.
Prioritize Self-Care
Caring for yourself physically, mentally and emotionally is essential for weathering life's storms. Eat nourishing foods, move your body, get enough sleep. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Connect with supportive loved ones.
Strengthen Connections
As hurricanes approach Bermuda, we are reminded to check on the elderly and our neighbors and provide support to them. In times of crisis, we need each other more than ever. We can each out, virtually, if need be. Offer support and compassion. Nurture your relationships. Belonging to a community provides a sense of safety, comfort and shared experience.
Focus on What You Can Do
When life feels chaotic, focus on what you can control. You can't control the weather, but you can prepare your home. You can't control a pandemic, but you can control your response. You can't control how long the storm will last, but you can control, for the most part, what you do with that time. Identify your sphere of influence and take empowered action.
By embracing stillness, reflecting, practicing self-care and strengthening connections, we can weather life's storms with resilience, grace and compassion, for ourself and others.
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