This is an original post written by contributing writer L. Klonsky.
So it’s monsoon season in New Jersey. Just kidding, but we do tend to get storms here in the Garden State (hurricanes, Nor’ Easters, blizzards). While the masses hit the grocery stores for milk and bread and as the news channels are unnecessarily whipping the public into hysteria, I look forward to storms. They are quite cathartic and, dare I say it, renewing.
Getting My Priorities in Order
When I’m aware that adversity is about to strike, when I’m given a warning, it’s a fine time to get my priorities in order. And since I’m not neat by nature, having a deadline (for example, “the storm will strike tomorrow afternoon”) forces me to tidy my life up.
Do we have candles and flashlights in case of a blackout? Check. Do we have food in the house? Check. Do I have Pull-Ups/toilet paper/books/firewood/blankets/first-aid kits/water? Check. Has anything that could fly around outside (think airborne cows in The Wizard Of Oz) been secured? Check. Are our cellphones powered up? Check. Basic needs are in order.
Mother Nature Is Having Her Period
Looking outside at the wind and rain, I relax. It’s kind of like Mother Nature having her period. Storms clean. They bond people together against a common enemy. Storms dramatically change the seasons. They can knock some of the already-turned leaves off the trees and force others to don their Fall colors. They sweep the pine trees of dead branches. Most definitely these tempests force me to stay home, instead of doing a billion errands, and let me focus on my kids. And they’ll have to spend time with me since the soccer field turns into a lake. Storms give me time to center, to remember what’s truly important.
Similarly, I sometimes think I’m a better mother when I’m sick (and facing another type of adversity). I’m FORCED to take care of myself so I’ll get better. Illness allows me to tell the kids to get their own damned breakfast, my husband to print out his own pictures for his mother, and my daughter to wipe her own tushy. When Mom is sick no amount of whining, pulling, or cajoling will take my focus off getting better.
Yes, I find it sad that I need pressure to set my priorities straight. But such is me. I’m not foolish enough to wish for a full-fledged hurricane. That could hurt too many people, including my own. But a semi-scary storm? Sure. I could use one of those right now. Bring it!
L. Klonsky can also be found at Mom’s Crayon and Jersey Moms Blog.
I think of depression the same way: it says, “something has to be different” or “you have to be heard.”
It’s like a good storm, where if you act on the winds, things can be left with a change of scenery.
Excellent post. Thank you