Preparing For The Storm

We are having major spring Nor’ Easter here in New England.

The weather forecasts leading up to the storm were intense. I bounced between “Cool a big A storm” and “UGH, I am ready for spring- down with snow and all its mess”. Having lived in the Northeast for the majority of my life, I have learned that snowstorms are much easier to deal with if you prepare for them. In my case, this means switching office visits to telehealth, canceling any 6 am spots at Orange Theory Fitness that collide with the storm, and then thinking about food, power/generator, laundry, and supplies. As I said I have a little experience with preparing for storms. While I do not line up for bottled water nor store enough food for a month I do take a proactive approach.

This preparation for the storm got me thinking about how we prepare for the storms of life. Not the weather-related storms but the inevitable storms we all will experience. Do you prepare for the storms of life the same way you do storms related to weather?  Do you prepare for either? Do you even think about preparation as a means of mitigating the fallout? Is there any point in preparing for the storms of life as we do the storms caused by weather?

My humble opinion is yes there is value in the preparation because if we do not, we miss our opportunity to live consciously. I am not saying that preparation/planning eliminates the storm. It does not. Imagine your preparation as a handyman’s toolbox. It will be there if and when it is needed and if not, the only downside is carrying a few more supplies than you need.

Preparation for the storms of weather is much more obvious and it depends upon the kind of storm. During a  Nor’ easter, you need food to get you through a few days that require no electricity if you do not have a generator, several gallons of water for each person, gasoline for your car, snow blower, generator, snow melt for the surfaces, adequate medicines for several days, phones charged, batteries, candles, means of warmth if needed.  Without these, if you lose power- you will be hungry, cold, and stuck at home with no communication. In other words- preparation reduces suffering.

How do we prepare for the storms of life? Step one and the most important, is a belief in capability. This belief comes from consistent thoughts that make you feel capable. By creating a narrative of capability and ability to weather life storms we create a strong belief in ourselves, and this is the person that shows up when the storm hits. The alternative is not worth spending words on. This belief of capability coming from consistent self-narrative about our ability to weather storms is a meta-skill that goes way beyond weathering storms. Storms are just a really big and obvious place where this belief can be practiced and a place where the results of our capability can be seen and perhaps measured.

Can we visualize the tool belt in the scenario of weathering life’s storms too? Instead of a hammer, it is good sleep habits, instead of a wrench it is lots of fruits and vegetables, instead of a handful of nails it is meaningful movement and activity. The buckle of the belt can be seen as the social network that supports you and gives your life meaning. Do you think of fruits, vegetables, and healthy sleep as luxuries or things to do when you feel like it? How would you show up to a storm of life sleep-deprived vs. well-rested?

If this presents you with a new perspective on self-care, that is great! Self-care is the gift you give to your future self who will be the one to weather all the storms ahead.  May you all be safe and weather the storms of life and the storms of weather knowing that you are capable beyond your current ability because you will prepare for them.

Peace,
K