The past few weeks for all Victorians and indeed all Australians have been challenging. So many have lost their lives, loved ones and homes, it is sometimes very hard to believe. Amongst so much sadness though, there are ever increasing stories of heroism, generosity and triumph over the odds.
Many mornings in Melbourne, we have woken up to the smell of smoke, a constant reminder of the battles that people continue to fight and that there still may be more loss to come – this week is a big danger time. My sister, her husband and three gorgeous sons live in a heavily bush area that is still far from the fires, though I have confirmed with her on numerous occasions that they will get out as soon as they are put on a warning, houses are replaceable, they are not. My sister in law’s sister completely lost their house and are staying with my brother and sister in law. Luckily they were away at the time of the fires and didn’t have to make the heartbreaking choice that others did to go or stay.
In speaking to friends, family and colleagues over this past two weeks, there has been a theme that has come to the fore – most people are tired, really exhausted. For me, the feeling of exhaustion has come from a feeling of helplessness. Oh, we have donated to the appeals, given as much clothing and bedding as possible and donated pet food for animals but sometimes, it just does not seem to be enough. Australians have been SO generous, it has been utterly amazing and it makes me so proud . So – how do I deal with this feeling of helplessness? Well, this is a classic example of learning how to change emotions via self talk. Once I had identified this feeling of helplessness, I started to define the word ‘helpless’. When I really thought about it, of course I am not helpless, I have donated what I could and will donate more later to ensure continued help to these people. I have the ability to give whatever help that I choose. Once I made this distinction, I felt more powerful again, in control and of course able to help.
To all of the CFA, Police, Army, volunteers and all of those who have contributed to helping our brothers and sisters who have been affected by fire and flood, thank you – you are all wonderful, generous people who answered the call for help with a beautiful generosity of spirit.
Below are some links if you would like to contribute to the victims of the Victorian Bushfires:
http://www.redcross.org.au
http://animalaid.com.au/
https://salvos.org.au
See you next time.....
Cheers,
Jodie Flynn
www.lapbandforthemind.com
Many mornings in Melbourne, we have woken up to the smell of smoke, a constant reminder of the battles that people continue to fight and that there still may be more loss to come – this week is a big danger time. My sister, her husband and three gorgeous sons live in a heavily bush area that is still far from the fires, though I have confirmed with her on numerous occasions that they will get out as soon as they are put on a warning, houses are replaceable, they are not. My sister in law’s sister completely lost their house and are staying with my brother and sister in law. Luckily they were away at the time of the fires and didn’t have to make the heartbreaking choice that others did to go or stay.
In speaking to friends, family and colleagues over this past two weeks, there has been a theme that has come to the fore – most people are tired, really exhausted. For me, the feeling of exhaustion has come from a feeling of helplessness. Oh, we have donated to the appeals, given as much clothing and bedding as possible and donated pet food for animals but sometimes, it just does not seem to be enough. Australians have been SO generous, it has been utterly amazing and it makes me so proud . So – how do I deal with this feeling of helplessness? Well, this is a classic example of learning how to change emotions via self talk. Once I had identified this feeling of helplessness, I started to define the word ‘helpless’. When I really thought about it, of course I am not helpless, I have donated what I could and will donate more later to ensure continued help to these people. I have the ability to give whatever help that I choose. Once I made this distinction, I felt more powerful again, in control and of course able to help.
To all of the CFA, Police, Army, volunteers and all of those who have contributed to helping our brothers and sisters who have been affected by fire and flood, thank you – you are all wonderful, generous people who answered the call for help with a beautiful generosity of spirit.
Below are some links if you would like to contribute to the victims of the Victorian Bushfires:
http://www.redcross.org.au
http://animalaid.com.au/
https://salvos.org.au
See you next time.....
Cheers,
Jodie Flynn
www.lapbandforthemind.com
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