On Hurricanes and Processing Trauma

Nature's rite of passage

I grew up in Florida, so I am no stranger to hurricane season. Andrew, Katrina, Wilma, and countless others have passed over me. But this morning I prayed for help and clarity and this juvenile Cooper’s Hawk showed up on my car the moment I did.

Almost exactly 5 years ago, Irma passed over me while I was in very early labor with my son.  And that experience required a lot of me: prepping for the birth AND planning for two evacuations with my toddler, then-husband, extended family, and our two cats.  We ended up in Orlando as the storm went right over us in a fairly intense night in a hospital lobby waiting to see if our house would still be there to welcome our new baby home.

We got ridiculously lucky: we came home to a safe house with power and no damage, unlike most of Pinellas County, so that our son could be born at home.  But, it wasn’t until this morning, waking up to the shifted forecast track that it hit me how similar Ian is to how Irma approached.  And that loosened something inside, all the fear and uncertainty my mind had repressed to focus during the last storm came spilling out like an old festering wound that needed clearing.

So I breathed, made myself a flower essence, and called a friend for support.  The breathing and the flower essence calmed my mind so I could feel the right thing to do and the friend helped me get the house secured so I felt prepared.  (For the record, a new level of friendship is whether someone volunteers to help prep your house before a storm!)

If this storm is bringing a lot up for you too, give yourself some grace and take a minute to take a few deep breaths and feel your feet on the ground while you let the observe the feeling so it can pass.  It’ll center you and clear the anxiety from your mind so you’re clear what needs to be done.

Sending prayers for everyone getting through Hurricane Ian with ease.  ❤️

And remember, after any big storm, be gentle with yourself and loved ones who could be processing trauma in their own way.  🌀⛈

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