So here we are again, in 2024! Another festive season draws to a close. It's time to prepare to return to the routines of life...
The view from my window today, 2nd January, is not a pretty sight to be honest.
We are in the middle of another named storm, today's one is named 'Storm Henk'.
Everything in the street where I live is being blown around at speeds of around 40 mph as I write....
Which has given me the inspiration to write this month's blog on storms, well, not ones that are caused by the weather front anyway. The storms I am going to talk about are the storms of life.
What do I mean by this?
So, you're getting along fine with your husband, wife, or partner, all is going well at work, kids are settled.
You're feeling well and in good health, you go for a run every day.
Money is tight, but not too tight that you can't afford to treat yourself and the family now and again.
You may think that all is well and you're sailing along the river of life very nicely, thanks!
Out of the blue, though, clouds begin to gather on the horizon.
This then turns into something a bit darker, when the clouds build up, and the wind picks up.
All of a sudden, there is bad news. You find out that your child has been involved in a crime and has been arrested.
You're angry, confused, scared, bewildered. Asking yourself where you went wrong as a parent.
You notice yourself withdrawing from other people, and you no longer have the energy to go for a run.
Before you know it, you're in the eye of the storm.
Where's your safe place? How do you stop yourself from becoming blown around at 40 miles per hour?
There's something very important to remember about being in a storm-
It passes.
It's about making sure you have a good strong anchor to keep you grounded while the storm rages around you.
Your anchor might look like talking things through with your husband, wife or partner, or a trusted friend or work colleague.
Or booking yourself in some sessions to offload with a counsellor, and get some tools to help you to ground yourself and keep that anchor firmly fixed.
Your anchor might look like making sure you're eating properly.
Your anchor might look like making time to take a 5 minute walk in the fresh air.
Whatever your anchor might look like, make sure it's in good working order as you never know when you might need it..
Remember, your storm will pass..
Now, I'd best go out and retrieve my bin that I have just seen blow all the way into the neighbour's garden...