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So, let’s talk about Hurricane Beryl. You know, the storm that decided to waltz in and wreak havoc just when we thought life couldn’t throw anything more at us. But here we are, still standing, still breathing, and if you’re anything like me, maybe even laughing a little at the absurdity of it all.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: enduring a hurricane can feel a lot like the storms we’ve weathered in our personal lives, especially for those of us who have faced sexual trauma. It’s like Mother Nature decided to give us a giant, soggy reminder of our past struggles. Thanks, but no thanks, right?
When Life Gives You Hurricanes…
First off, can we just acknowledge the cosmic irony? Here we are, minding our business, healing from past traumas, and then—bam! Hurricane Beryl decides to join the party. It’s almost like the universe is saying, “Hey, remember resilience? Let’s test it out again!”
But here’s the thing about storms: they pass. They might leave a mess in their wake, but they also bring a chance for renewal and growth. Kind of like how we’ve navigated our own healing journeys. We’ve been through the worst, and yet, we rise. 
Finding Freedom in the Eye of the Storm
During the chaos of Beryl, I found myself thinking a lot about freedom and confidence. Not the kind you see in movies where the heroine conquers the world in high heels and a perfect blowout (though, more power to her). I’m talking about the kind of freedom that comes from within, the kind that says, “I can handle whatever comes my way.”
Surviving a hurricane, much like surviving trauma, is about making choices. Do we panic or do we prepare? Do we let the storm break us, or do we find strength in our resilience?
It’s all about perspective, my friends.
Laughter: The Best Umbrella
And let’s not forget the power of humour. Seriously, if you can’t laugh at the absurdity of it all, what’s the point? I mean, I found myself barricading my windows with leftover pizza boxes because, in the grand scheme of things, why not? If a slice of pepperoni can keep my spirits up, it’s doing its job!
humour is our secret weapon.
It’s what keeps us sane when everything else feels like it’s spiralling out of control. So with my roof being ripped off and walls feeling like they were caving in, winds of 130 mph and Beryl busy doing her worst, I was busy laughing at my makeshift fortress and my dog’s utter confusion about why her favourite tree was suddenly horizontal. (Fortunately, she was inside with me!)
Rebuilding with Confidence
Once the storm passes, we’re left with a choice. Do we dwell on the destruction, or do we start rebuilding? The same goes for our personal storms. Each challenge, each setback, is an opportunity to rebuild stronger, wiser, and more confident.
So, if you’re feeling a bit battered by life’s hurricanes, remember this: you’ve survived 100% of your worst days. YOU ARE resilient, you are strong, and you are capable of finding humor even in the darkest of times.
Let’s take a page from Beryl’s book. She may have knocked us down, but we’re getting back up, with a smile on our face and a laugh ready to burst out. Because if there’s one thing we know how to do, it’s turning adversity into strength—and maybe even cracking a joke or two along the way.
Stay strong, stay confident, and always keep a sense of humor handy. After all, laughter might just be the best umbrella in any storm.
With love and laughter,
Dr H
P.S. Speaking of resilience, don’t forget to check out my courses to help you bend with the wind…not break and build back from the storms of life @ https://drhtheconfidencebuilder.com/healing-therapy-for-mental-health/
I can also be found on LinkedIn @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsandrahamilton/
…and on Facebook every week, in fact, a couple of times a week unless someone like Hurricane Beryl tries to do me in! https://web.facebook.com/DrSandraRHamilton/?_rdc=1&_rdr
