Life as a Hurricane

 May 4, 2022


Have you ever wondered why it seems like bad things happen to good people?  Have you ever been moving through life, thinking all is good, only to have the carpet quickly yanked from under your feet? Have you ever been perplexed as to why, despite, your very best efforts...storms sometimes come your way? How do we navigate this thing called...life?

Consider the two pictures below of Hurricane Dorian from 2019.



Hurricane Dorian absolutely ravaged the Bahamas in 2019. It's estimated that the damage exceeded 7 billion dollars and 84 people were killed. Certainly, some of the 84 casualties were amazingly "good" people; people who lived a good life, were kind to others and did all the right things. There were innocent children killed in Hurricane Dorian. I'm sure, as well, that some of the 84 people were creeps. Criminals who broke the law, didn't pay their bills, wronged their neighbors, domestic abusers, and were just general "low lifes."

Today in conversation, with a group of friends, we read the following:

"Hurricanes have a way of mauling, with equal severity, both the just and the unjust."

I can't help but draw a comparison between hurricanes and life. Neither are "fair."

This realization leads me to the next logical question...which is of course; "how do we weather this thing called life?" I suspect the answers might be as follows...but don't take my word for it...How will you "weather this thing called life?"

A framework for living that I hope to install in my life, and the life of my family is:

  • Believe there is something bigger than "this life." Strive to initiate and nurture a relationship with God (or your higher power) that gives you a hope for something more than today. This is freeing in so many ways! This faith gives you the freedom to not live in fear that today is all there is and the courage to take some calculated risks along the way.
  • Live life in such a way so that if I'm taken by a storm tomorrow...there will be no regrets about something I should/shouldn't have said, done, etc. A great strategy is to take daily "stock" of every exchange you had. Interaction, words, actions, etc. Don't let a day go by without reviewing your behavior and saying I'm sorry if there was anyone wronged in your wake. This daily reflection ensures that your head is able to rest easy, each and every night, on your pillow.
  • Expect the storm. You can't change the weather, but you can prepare for all kinds of temperatures, gusts, and shaking. Do things each and every day to ensure your preparedness for the unexpected shifts, turns and turbulence of life.
  • Keep some reserves. Ensure that you have enough to keep you going (food, water, supplies) in the event of an emergency cuts you off from the day-to-day comforts that we are so used to. "Never let your gas tank get below a quarter tank," my dad used to say!
  • Focus your time and energy on those that you care most about. The fallacy of franticness keeps so many away from the ones they love...for most of their waking hours. Make sure that in the event of "the big storm" you're with the ones who mean the most to you. Increase this probability by scheduling your time to prioritize those who are the most valuable in your world. Don't get caught up in chasing the perfect job, material things, or the praise and approval of others. Instead, invest time, resources, and energy into your life partner, children, extended family, and those who you care most deeply about. 
  • Be thankful, each and every day! Taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate all the good days, that are filled with sunshine, joy, and positivity creates a positive frame of reference when the occasional storm comes along. Our mindset is the number one defense to each storm that we encounter in life.
Approximately twenty years ago I created an online profile, "Radically Transforming Lives." In that moment, I believed it was about doing good things for others...as an educator, speaker, etc. Today I understand that one of the "lives" I'm working to transform is my own. I invite you to join me in reflection and focus on continual self-improvement that allows us to lead the lives that we are capable of living and that we are meant to live! 

I invite you to contribute/comment...what is your framework for living? How will you weather the hurricanes in life that are bound to blow your way?

You can contact me directly at: radicallytransforminglives@gmail.com
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndrewEverettK
Join me on Facebook: Andrew.E.Kelly1969
Follow me on Instagram @radicallytransforminglives


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