Michael

Hurricane Michael now is in the headlines, with pictures of destruction of Mexico beach and other areas of Florida in the forefront of the news. The storm is just about over Virginia.  I can hardly take my eyes off the television as I watch it all. 

Katrina Damage. Courtesy of Pixabay

This storm was nearly a Cat 5, more destructive than Katrina and some other hurricanes. Memories of my two trips to Biloxi/Gulfport, MS. to do mission work after Katrina filled my heart.  Most of the team I was with did construction; nurses stayed back and dispensed needed medicines; I listened to local folks share their horrendous stories of what happened to them, their homes and their loved ones during and after "the storm."

I find myself getting emotional as I remember those times, the people and their experiences.  Then I recall how blessed we were to have a "mash tent" to sleep and eat in. Folks who had lost everything came to a dispensary just to get basic clothes they needed. 

Why am I sharing this?  Many of us cannot travel to these devastated areas to help. Too, many of us could literally give half of what we own away and still have double of what others have, especially after losing everything in the storm.  There are organizations that are so helpful and give the majority of what they raise to those needy causes!

Two major "watchdogs", Charity Navigator and Charity Watch can help you decide which organization deserves your support. So, as helpless as I feel right now, I am asking all of my readers to consider your means in order to donate to a reliable organization of your choice to help the areas of high destruction from the hurricanes.  Michael survivors, and others, will appreciate your generosity. No amount is too small; it all adds up!  Thank you!   

Our "Plate"

Courtesy of Pixabay

Have you ever had to back out of plans you had made, not because you wanted to avoid the activity but that your "plate" was just too full?  Lately, I was so overwhelmed at the thought of a certain trip that I was losing sleep over the thought of it!  After processing it all with a friend she simply said, "well, cancel going!"  Hmmmm, to think I had options!  So I did...I backed out!

It was amazing when I called the person I was to go with.  She wasn't upset at all but later called me and told me she backed out going too!  The relief she and I both felt was enough to lift the Empire State Building!  It was that palpable!

It was after this situation the word "self-care" came to my attention through a post. I got to thinking of how many ways we can care for ourselves in such a myriad of ways. We need to be aware that, no matter what, we usually have options that allow us better self-care.

Some folks operate with very large "plates" in life and can put a lot on their plate, but sometimes circumstances are such that our plate is small.  Too much on it stresses us unnecessarily but we can minimize that stress with better "self-care."  I'm glad I discovered how good self-care feels; consider it for yourself!

Molly LaFond is a spiritual director and has openings for new clients at this time.  I can see clients in Two Rivers or Crivitz, WI.  Contact me at: 920.793.3530.  To follow my posts, scroll all the way down this post and insert your email in order to be notified or go to: MollyLaFond.com