Restoring Your Power

I wrote this back in 2012, the the series of storms ripping across the the mid-west and south east of the the last week reminded me of Sandy and the feeling of now what after the storm had passed. Dreading looking at the wreckage and that helpless feeling that comes when you are waiting for life to resume normalcy.

I never ponder electrical power, do you? I live in a wealthy nation and unconsciously assume it’ll always be here. Last week it wasn’t. That took me by surprise and threw me for a loop.

Last week Superstorm Sandy blew through the East coast tearing down buildings and trees, flooding everything in her path, leaving millions without power, in the dark and cold, to find their way through destruction and misery. No one escaped unscathed. Some were more fortunate than others.

My power was out for four days; in this context, it was a minor inconvenience. I was incredibly lucky. My roof didn’t blow off. The back-up battery for the sump-pump kept my basement dry. No trees fell on the house. The fireplace offered some light and warmth each night. Layers of heavy blankets and my husband kept me warm enough to sleep. During daytime hours I went to the library or Mary’s house where I enjoyed heat and electricity. I charged my phone, checked email, accomplished some work and just as important, I wasn’t cold.

Mary also saved the contents of my freezer by giving me space in hers. Other friends showed-up by inviting us to dinner. Friends and family from around the country called every day to check-in and cheer me up.

Yes, I’m very fortunate. So why am I so exhausted? It turns out that I’m not the only one. Everyone I speak with feels drained, and is struggling to find energy for the usually-easy tasks of life. Determined, hardworking individuals felt anxious and didn’t accomplish much of anything last week.

In losing electrical power we were surprised to face the limits of our personal power. We seldom think about it, but we’re vulnerable to nature. There was nothing anyone could do except wait for our utility company to fix the lines. Without power we felt power-less.

I felt this way when I was as a caregiver during Mom’s long years with Alzheimer’s. I didn’t want to think about losing my Mom. I felt vulnerable facing the final force of nature, death. I was powerless to stop the progress of her condition. I could do nothing except wait and watch and weep. At the end of those eight years I was physically and emotionally depleted.

Whether life is destabilized by massive storms, sickness, death or some other act of nature, it’s stressful. Responding to life’s crises, changes and challenges is demanding. Minimizing or denying the toll makes us vulnerable to developing stress-related illnesses. Any kind of healthy self-care restores energy, rebuilds resilience and preserves good health.

If you’re being buffeted by winds of change; if you’re struggling through a stormy phase in your personal or work-life; if your spark for life is flickering out, be gentle with yourself. Slow down. Let some things go. Lower the demands you place on yourself until your energy rebounds. Spend some time with friends. Ask them to help you and graciously accept their support. Settle in and enjoy a place of warmth and light. Snuggle under warm blankets and rest. Give thanks for your many blessings.

Whatever you do to restore your energy will be good for both you and your loved ones. As you do so much for others, remember to take good care of yourself, too…Jane