Hurricane
Sandy reminded many, including me, that we don’t have control over everything
that happens in life. We don’t always
have the power to keep bad things from happening. We like to think we do, but life shows us
otherwise. I was also reminded of how we
can choose to look at what’s possible rather than focus on what seems
impossible. To decide to take the best
possible care of ourselves. To be
resilient. Being a resilient person
starts with believing in your own potential to face a challenge. If you’ve faced up to a medical diagnosis,
you know what I mean here. That means
focusing not on your powerlessness, in whatever form that takes, but where you
do have power, and taking action.
Life
never stays the same. Sandy reminded me
of how comfortable I am in my day-to-day routine. And how a stressful event can be an
opportunity to look at life in a new way.
Refusing to accept uncertainty and
change is setting up a battle that is not only unwinnable but unnecessary. Accepting that life is about change helps you
to more clearly see what you do have control over, and to take action.
I am
probably preaching to the choir here, but this is my lesson from Sandy. Recognize your own ability to solve problems. Get connected with your support network. Stay optimistic. Resilience is power. And the real power is in your hands!