kindness after the storm

I grew up in North Carolina. I was born on the coast and raised in Chapel Hill. I remember trips to the beach in the summers, and I also remember both periods of drought and floods as a kid. That being said, I've never seen devastation in my home state like I've seen since Hurricane Florence hit. Friends and family have been displaced and their lives have been put on hold. My heart goes out to those who have been impacted, not just over the last week but in the coming days, weeks and months as they attempt to return to life post-Florence.

I think it's very easy to get flustered around times of natural disasters — not even just for those in the most impacted areas. A large amount of my friends in Virginia feared and prepared for the ripple effects predicted to follow the initial storm. In the aftermath, it's time for many to ask — what's next?

My friends in the Carolinas are dealing with both the ramifications of having to return to school when conditions are likely not yet safe for them to do so as well as the knowledge that the home-away-from-home they left when evacuating the storm may not feel the same as it did before. Others in my life — even, remarkably, individuals immediately impacted — are publicizing and informing others of relief efforts.

I'm always astounded and humbled by the human need for resilience in times of distress.

Someone I was speaking with recently regarding Hurricane Florence told me they felt it was such a shame that it took a giant natural disaster to bring humanity out of people. In a sense, I agree. I wish people would willingly show this much empathy without having a giant storm ruin countless lives. That being said, I'm still touched by how many people instantly opened their arms and their hearts in the wake of this. I can only hope it lasts.

Have some empathy for the people in your life, especially if you don't know what they are going through. Don't let a natural disaster be the only reason you want to help those that are disadvantaged (but especially in these times, please help if you are able). We can never plan too well for these sorts of things. With Hurricane Florence, it felt like about a week to prepare for a potentially life-changing event. We can, however, practice empathy at all times. Help others, regardless of the weather. Like the wonderful Ellen DeGeneres always says, "Be kind to one another."

(Here is a helpful link if you would like to learn about different ways to help.)