Ten Things I learned from Irene

As I noted in Wednesday’s Take A Break, I live in one of the “island” communities of Vermont that were heavily impacted by Irene. For 10 days I was manning the relief shelter in our town. So this is what I learned from that experience, which I think has direct bearing on living with a chronic condition:

1. You have to be willing to receive as well as give. Yes, there is that adage that it is better to receive than to give, but I think that means that if you are giving you are most likely not in crisis.

2. The 1, 2, 3 Rule needs to be followed even in a crisis
a. First take of yourself. If you aren’t strong, you can’t be at your best to help others.
b. Second take care of your family and close friends
c. Everything else comes after that.

3. You have a much better perspective on things if you have: slept (take a nap); eat or gone to the bathroom (even if it is in a porta pottie). Take breaks.

4. When you are upset, you may want to eat all the time or not at all. Have healthy foods. Better to pick at carrot sticks, nuts and grapes then brownies. When someone is in crisis, bring healthy snacks. If I never see another brownie it will be too soon.

5. Ask for what you need.

6. Facebook, blogs, e-mails are critical tools to network and keep people informed. Use them wisely though.

7. The brain is an amazing thing. Left to its own device, it will begin the healing process so that within a week to 10 days you will have adjusted to the “new normal.”

8. People have natural inborn compassion, which shows itself in wonderful ways in a crisis. Yet, once the initial crisis passes, people quickly forget and it’s business as usual for many.

9. Crisis happens. It can change us and the way we live. Don’t miss the lesson. Good things can come from hard times.

10. When the immediate phase of a crisis ends, the longest and hardest part of the process begins. People and support are needed throughout. Just because someone wasn’t there for the crisis phase doesn’t mean they may not be more helpful in the longer phase.