Multiple blogs have been posted here on Hive related to the devastations Typhoon #Odette caused. We have different stories and experiences before, during, and after the typhoon. You saw the photos of damages circulating online. Some were hit lightly but some did feel the anger of Odette.
A week has passed since the typhoon hit our country and I can't help but to self-reflect about what's happening in the world right now. In this blog, I want to share the things that I learned and realized during this difficult time while celebrating the holidays.
1.Letting go of the things I can't control and focusing on what I can. Before the typhoon hit, I assumed that it won't be a big deal because news outlets sometimes exaggerate things but I was wrong. Yup, the typhoon hit us so badly and I was unprepared but did I feel any regret? No. I know I should've prepared but beating myself up for being unprepared won't turn back time. I decided to deal with what's in front of me and just take control of the situation.
2.I can't just simply tell people it will be okay. Yes, I know it will be okay but a little compassion and kindness will be better. This situation is very difficult for everyone. Encouraging people and giving them a reason to move forward would be great too. I want to validate people's emotions and feelings right now. I can't simply tell that they are being dramatic because I know, this situation could be dramatic.
3.Community is important. I am extremely grateful that despite the scarcity of basic needs, I have been blessed to have generous friends and neighbors who give and offer what they have. You can't underestimate the power of camaraderie. At these trying times, the people you know, your connections, your family, and your friends are the best individuals who could help you get up. I told a friend "I wish you'll receive more blessings and she responded to me "the more blessing I received, the more blessings I will share."
4.I need to be sensitive. I am fortunate enough not to be highly affected by the typhoon, unlike others. Though my family back in the province was washed out by the flood, I believe that we would be able to recover as soon as possible. Sometimes, I feel like my actions and words could lead to misunderstanding because I'm not experiencing what others are dealing with right now. So, if I have said something which translates to insensitivity, I am sorry.
5.Every day is a perfect day to be grateful. Gratefulness is something I practiced for years now. It keeps me grounded and appreciate more the tangible and intangible things in life. This catastrophe taught me to be even more grateful. I didn't lose anything but the basic needs that I took for granted before are scarce. I used to spend a lot of time in the shower not thinking one day water will be limited to none. I used to leave the lights on or my fan on even there is no one in the room not knowing that one day power will be unavailable. I'm grateful that I have enough water at home and I'm grateful to have places to go and stay that have electricity.
6.Help is something I shouldn't be ashamed of. I used to be hesitant about messaging friends or asking for help from people. But I have learned that there is nothing wrong with it. I think it's because we have this kind of mindset where we think that if we help people we need to pay them back in the near future. The reality is, not everyone thinks that way. It is one thing that I'm grateful for because I have friends who won't ask anything in return if they offer help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness or will make you less of a person, for me it's courageous that I acknowledged the fact that I need help. I'm strong but I am even stronger when I receive more energy and resources from others.
For sure, we have learned a thing or two during the pandemic and now the crisis after the typhoon. Self-realizations and self-reflections have been made. I created this blog as a reminder of the emotions and thoughts that is going through my mind this time. I want to go back to this post soon and reminisce but with a different mindset, a much better situation and hopefully a better world.
Thank you for reading this post. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the Hive Community who supported us and shared their blessing to the Filipino Hivers who got hit by Super Typhoon Rai aka Odette. We are beyond grateful for everything you guys did and still doing for us. To all my fellow Filipino Hivers, I hope you guys are staying strong, slowly getting up, and still have reasons to celebrate the holidays. Sending you some love and healing!
Asa Si Klause blogs about his travels, vegan lifestyle, yoga practice, his fur babies and anything that gives joy to him.
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