3 Tips to Coping, Even With Mother Nature

Has your summer flown by? School’s in session already, Gator football has begun, and Hurricane season is in full swing. The big Labor Day arrival of Hurricane Dorian in my home state Florida has everyone on edge.

With Floridian’s anxiety meters shifting from low gear to high, it’s easy to begin to dread what this storm might bring. In addition to all the usual storm prep of batteries, water and cans of tuna in the cupboard, and an evacuation plan, it's also important to stay emotionally balanced. I begin by asking myself three questions:

• What is my intent for this experience?
• How do I want to FEEL this week?
• What do I want to achieve this week?

Yesterday I could feel my anxiety rising as the gas stations were running out of fuel and news stations were showing the horrific devastation this storm could bring. I had to stop, and consider my intent, “I want to be calm in the storm”. No matter what storm arrives, Mother Nature’s fury or a personal or business storm, my intent is to trust and know that no matter what, I will be calm.

Then, the feeling I want to focus on is grateful. Grateful that I have a sturdy home, an amazing husband who is always prepared, my family who are finding their way to safe spots and that I have the ability to evacuate my precious 95 year old mother in law to a safer local. I am feeling grateful.

What’s your Intent for coping with this coming week? To get a project completed or started? To connect with family or friends you haven’t seen for a while? To get healthier by started exercising again now that the weather is cooling down?

How do you want to FEEL in this last bit of summer? Joy?! Of still being in the Margaritaville mode, walking around in your flipflops and determined to squeeze the last bit of fun out of the season? Or delight, knowing that pumpkin spice lattes and sweater weather are just around the corner? We can get caught up in our to-do list – I do too – but honestly what we should be thinking about is what is intent for this week and how do I want to feel and only then consider what you want to achieve.

My intent is to feel confident and grounded, even in the face of a hurricane. Also, to be reminded that I have the choice to feel the way I intend, even when everyone around me is going nuts-o.

Happy Labor Day and stay safe Floridian's!