Fellow Texans are suffering from the wrath of Hurricane Harvey. For people impacted by the floods, a few thoughts drawn from my experiences as a cancer survivor:
Right now, your job is to get through the immediate crisis. Maybe the best goal for today is simply to get through today.
As much as possible, try to put boundaries around your imagination. If you start to think about the seemingly overwhelming challenges of the next weeks and months and years, tell yourself, "Stop. Today I'm just dealing with today and tomorrow."
Find a safe place to express what you are thinking and feeling. If you are in a shelter, you can't exactly wail or curse without frightening the children and upsetting other adults. If you feel like crying, find a shoulder to cry on. Or cry into your pillow (if you have one). Or write down your feelings (if you have paper).
Try to help someone else in need. Somehow, reaching out and comforting or helping someone else may help you keep your balance emotionally during extraordinarily distressing times.
Find something to hope for today and tomorrow. Something, even if just for dry clothes, a meal, a bit of sleep. Find something to hope for.
Be kind to yourself. Don't beat yourself up about decisions you made or things you did or said during the crisis. You did the best you could.
Find something to feel grateful for. One thing, no matter how big or little.
Your fellow Americans are hoping and praying for your safety and recovery.
We welcome YOUR comments!
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