Continued Hurricane Helene lessons

Navigating Life’s Storms

As many of you know, I recently had to make the difficult decision to relocate to my brother's house in Atlanta after Hurricane Helene swept through the northwestern mountains of North Carolina.

While I was fortunate to have a safe place to go, the disruption triggered my awareness of Maslow’s second level: Safety Needs—and it wasn’t just about shelter.

Amidst the chaos of downed power lines and no cellular service, I found myself grappling with an intense need to maintain stability, especially when it came to work.

Upon securing shelter, there I was, logging in to take coaching calls, answering emails, and keeping my commitments.

Some people couldn’t understand why I would continue working during a time like that. It seemed counterintuitive to many, but for me, it made perfect sense:?my work was a form of security.

The Need for Safety: What It Really Means

Safety isn’t just about physical shelter—it’s about?financial security, emotional stability, and the sense of predictability in our lives.?

After the HBA conference, where I had the privilege of coaching remarkable women, appointments were made and promises were set. To maintain my sense of security and trust, I needed to follow through, even amidst the storm.

This is where Maslow’s second level of needs came into play for me.

At this level, safety needs can include:

• Financial security: Ensuring you have the resources you need to live and maintain your lifestyle.
• Health: Taking care of yourself and your loved ones.
• Job stability: In uncertain times, keeping the career or job you’ve worked so hard for becomes even more crucial.
• Environmental safety: Physical spaces where we feel safe, including our homes or a loved one’s house during emergencies.

And here’s the thing:?When our safety needs aren’t met, it becomes almost impossible to focus on higher-level aspirations, like self-esteem or personal growth.

Overcoming Barriers to Safety

In my own situation, I was fortunate to have family to lean on and the tools to stay connected.

And it reminded me of how easily our sense of safety can be shaken, and how much we need to?actively maintain?that stability.

Here are a few ways to address your safety needs, especially during uncertain times:

1. Ask for Help: I headed south, knowing someone in my family would take me in. That’s how strong my family's familial bonds are. Sometimes, we forget that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Knowing you’re not alone can instantly bring more emotional safety, whether it's family, friends, or professional support.
2. Prepare Your Environment: Do you have a safety plan for emergencies? Whether it’s having an evacuation plan, an emergency fund, or simply maintaining strong connections with people you can rely on, these plans create a buffer of safety in times of uncertainty.
3. Financial Planning: Create a safety net for yourself (have cash on hand and in the bank). This might mean building a savings fund or making sure your income sources are stable. Just knowing you have financial options can alleviate a lot of underlying stress.
4. Consistency in Work: As I experienced, maintaining work and routine can be an anchor during turbulent times. It gives us purpose and keeps us grounded when everything else feels chaotic.

Final Thoughts

Safety is the foundation of our ability to thrive.

When we know we’re secure, we can focus on our higher aspirations—like growing, achieving our dreams, and helping others.

What areas of your life feel shaky?

Where can you strengthen your own sense of security?

Take a moment today?to assess your safety needs and take one step to solidify them, whether it’s checking in on your financial health, asking for support, or creating a simple action plan for emergencies.

Your journey toward self-actualization starts with this foundation.

Call to Action (CTA): Curious about what it truly means to step into your power and become the self-actualized woman you’re destined to be?

DM me, and I’ll share details about my upcoming?Self-Actualized Woman?coaching program, launching soon.

Let’s explore how you can strengthen your foundation and unlock the next chapter of your life with clarity and confidence. Don’t miss your chance—connect with me today!

In What's Next with Denise, we explore practical strategies and inspirational stories to help you navigate your next steps. Whether you're seeking personal growth, career advancement, or new opportunities, we're here to support you on your journey.

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