04/26/2022
Working disaster for so many years has taught me a few things in response in the aftermath of it. First of all you have to understand that it is a trauma response in the body. Lots of stress hormones have been running and it gets things done in the moment. After the fact, when you stop, is when it really hits you, what has happened.
This is when you have to be very gentle with yourself. Allow yourself to dethaw as I would call it. That might include tears, anger or despair. Whatever you are feeling, it is OK to feel it. Please love yourself enough to not judge your reactions or another's. Everyone processes differently. Try to remember love and compassion above all things.
Disaster makes everyone come together, give your neighbor, friend, volunteer, a hug, let them cry and just breathe. They all need the same thing. Listen to them tell the story, that is the way it gets processed.
Everything will be ok with time...xoxo, Cintra
Photo from the Salvation Army