Calm in the midst of a storm.

I have often joked, "pick your own natural disaster and call it home".  Me...I live in earthquake country.  It's crazy I know, but a small price to pay to be within 4 hours of any kind of weather I want, exquisite dining and culture, the Golden Gate Bridge and a short drive to some of the best wines in the world!  For you, it may be floods, hurricanes, searing heat, sub-zero cold, tornados, or humidity (that acts like MiracleGro® to blood-sucking mosquitos!), but we all brave the elements, wherever we live. 

Because there is generally no warning before an earthquake, there are measures I have taken to be prepared for when the "big one" hits. I check my supplies at least once a year, but for the most part, I don't have to think much about it, because I can physically go to that spot whenever I am feeling anxious, touch the supplies/check my list and ground myself with a measure of confidence. In addition to regular fire drills (stop, drop and roll), evacuation drills (remain calm and move quickly to the designated area) and earthquake drills (drop, cover and hold on), I know that if the time ever comes, I can go my spot, take a deep breath and remind myself that whatever else happens, at my core, I have the basics covered, I've practiced and I'll be ok. 

Friends who know me well, know that I am a great believer in the natural order of the universe.  Everything happens for a reason.  There are no accidents.  Most of the angst in the world results mostly from our own perception of words, circumstances or specific situations.  Life and its experiences (good and bad) come at us thick and fast.  We just catch our breath and we're on to the next "adventure".  For me, it's not what happens, it's how I handle or react to what happens, that ultimately makes the difference in whether an event bends me, breaks me or catapults me forward into something infinitely better.  My reaction ultimately determines my resiliance and perception of the event. 

And...I can hear you all loud and clear!  "Hey Kath...wouldn't is be just ducky if there was an emotional disaster preparedness kit?"  A great question and there is!  Today's post from the DailyOM - one of my favorite websites - reminds me of exactly why I subscribe to their daily newsletter to help me stock my psychic supply box with everything I could possibly need to weather life's storms.

This site is an online fountain of inspiration and practical tools to help each reader find his/her own center in the midst of the crazy, fun, chaos we call life.  Their tagline is "Nurturing Mind Body and Spirit" and for me that is exactly what they deliver.  Day in and day out the writers at DailyOM deliver a thoughtful and positive message, complete with practical suggestions, that reminds me of the emergency/disaster preparedness kit I have for the times when Mother Nature gets fussy.

Today's message is literally about taking a deep breath in the midst of all of the swirling and noise to touch base with our inner source, as a way to safely anchor myself to the universe and remember that I have everything I need to weather any (perceived!) threats to my emotional stability.  I also subscribe to their daily horoscope and am frequently amazed at just how targeted the message for the day is?!  I am regularly reminded that it is in my best interests to listen to and value the thoughts and opinions of others, and patience is a virture for which I will always strive!  Some days I'm quite sure there's a secret satellite webcam following me so the writers will know EXACTLY what message I need to heed!! 

So how about you?  What do you do to keep your balance when the inevitable storms hit?  Please share your stories here.  In the meantime, "Cool Runnings" Peace be the Journey!