Sweet Home Alabama

Taking a moment today to reflect on the local and national tragedy of the massive damage done by yesterday's tornadoes and dangerous storms that are still moving across the country toward others I love and care about...BE SAFE, please...

I am so grateful that my family was not in the direct path of this storm (though I went to sleep with some anxiety in my chest about the high winds, thunder, and lightning flashing outside our windows, praying to not hear the sirens we have recently heard multiple times), and at the same time my heart aches for those who lost their lives, loved ones, homes, etc. Sending prayers and positive vibes out into the universe for all who are affected by this (which, in reality, is everyone to some degree, when we truly understand our interconnectedness).

Thinking about all of this brings me back to the first dimension of Wellness, SELF-RESPONSIBILITY and LOVE (Travis, J.W. & Ryan, R.S., 2004). Please allow me to explain:

According to their definitions...SELF-RESPONSIBILITY means (among other things)

*"Making choices and living courageously in the midst of uncertainty"

*"Expressing yourself-both your ideas and feelings-in ways that effectively communicate to other people who you are and what you know"

*"Engaging in projects that are meaningful to you; being supportive of others; and respecting your environment"

and LOVE means (among other things)

*"Listening to your own heart-treasuring your inner wisdom"

*"Responding to life's challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than as problems"

*"Realizing your connectedness with all things and acting in a way congruent with that."

With this in mind, I felt moved to share some of the resources I am looking into to attempt to help others and move forward in a positive way in the midst of the awfulness...you know, yin yang and all that balance "stuff." I may be a military spouse, but currently this is my HOME. This could have been US. People nearby are hurting.

If any of y'all are looking for information or ways to help, please check out the following:

http://magiccitypost.com/2011/04/27/tornadoes-kill-dozens-across-alabama-now-is-the-time-to-help/

http://www.redcross.org/en/

http://www.handsonbirmingham.org/specialevents/viewSpecialEvent.php?_mode=eventDetail&_action=eventDetail&ixSpecialEvent=419