Evacuation Nation.

At the moment we are currently surviving the evacuation from the low country. We continue to send prayers and comfort to those that have not been so lucky with their properties and loved ones.

For life-long Savannah residents like many of our friends and family, the de-ja-vu of evacuation 1 year ago has a lot of people wondering about the unknown of future weather patterns. For decades upon decades Savannah has been “protected” from most major storms. I always found this so amazing being surrounded by rivers and coastlines, and being predominately flat. Nonetheless, I always hear the good ol’ boys and natives explaining how it is positioned juuuuust right to be safe and sound for all of those years; thus the residents’ reluctancy to evacuate, etc. Well, things have changed. We have been given a wake-up call to take these times seriously. Time to accept the past, consider the future, and live in the present. Board up and ship out.

Since we haven’t lived in an area that has been under massive scares (knock on wood), it’s always a push and pull for me to evacuate. This is because weather and storms are among my most favorite things. However, since I spend most of my waking and non-waking hours adulting these days, I “by law” have to bolt from town with the fam. Though I heavily consider a potential career in my next life as a storm chaser– or I’ll take even just a front porch spectator.

While many of us are crashing with friends and family or holed up in glam or not so glam hotel-type living quarters …perhaps some of my left over (and constantly challenged by my tribe) Arizona peace energy can be of service. I know as a mom in this stich, I’m overly aware of the kids’ behavior on an annoy-o-meter level, concerned regarding the mess left behind daily by hurricane kamfamjam- and all of this on top of having to entertain endless snack and drink requests. It is for sure reminiscent of those final days of summer where I was actively “X”ing the days off on the calendar for my wee ones to jump back into their school uniforms and routines.

A few tips for evacuation burnout, or just life burnout, that I have used some before, all during and after Arizona travels- but in my own words:)

**There is *never not* a good time for deep breaths. Find one spot on the wall to focus on, or close your eyes and picture something relaxing (a gentle fire, a rolling stream) or nothing at all. In through the nose and out through the mouth. Each for at least 3 seconds, though the longer you exhale, the more bettah. When you think you are bored or sick of doing them, make yourself do two more. It clears the mind and relaxes all of those stressed out systems. I have my kiddos do them after a meltdown or before bed too. Take these breaths in the car, before bed, when you wake, before a confrontation. After a confrontation. All helpful.

**As addiction is something I have recently been studying in depth, it has come to my attention that while narcotics, alcohol, smoking, spending, sex, eating, etc. are the major players in the “addiction treatment realm”, our smart-phones and social media are coming in hot. It may not be that you will be “treated” for checking your phone 3 times a minute, but it can lead to other emotional and mental stress and disorders. We are addicted to distractions.  I won’t depress you or go into that scoop while some of you are displaced— we need to cope how we can— but maybe just take this time to take in what’s around you. While I was away for 6 days of mindfulness, I would only receive texts from my husband or babysitter. No texting, no email, no calling, no tv  – and under no circumstances,  social media. I know we need to be connected in the real world for work and school, etc., but it is encouraged in *mindfulness* to shut it ALL down. Maybe one full day a week or every afternoon for 3 hours. Whatever it is that can flow with your lifestyle to help quiet all of the noise that we have created for our little selves. Try it. I dare ya.

**This might sound a little hokey, and tedious, but again, a mindful practice. And actually this was something I used to do in high school— before I even knew it was helpful for the pychee.  Much like a diary and gratitude journal combo, but much less involved. We’ll call it a gratitude snapshot. A grat snap.  Find somewhere to write a quick snapshot of your day before you hit the hay. This can also be a good substitute for your nightly Instagram scroll time. Write out what happened that day. Good or bad. A daily calendar is a good place as the date is already there for you. It’s good to recall and show yourself how you process/ed the day’s events. Again—just a few sentences. Then finish with 2-3 things that brought you joy. From the smile the barista gave you to the fact that your child ate the broccoli on her plate to the fact that you told a good joke. Mindfulness gurus say acknowledging ups and downs of your day can teach us to deal with the dips/little losses that come our way (even a spilled coffee is a loss! Or cable outage!), rather than letting those feelings build up unbeknownst to us, and wreaking havoc on our mental and physical health. And, in theory, acknowledging joyous things daily, your mind will start gravitating more to those things and feelings. It takes 40 days to set a trend in your mind, and get a habit in place. Try it. What do you have to lose?

I don’t want to sound too preachy, so I’ll let these simmer. If none of these are jiving for you while cooped up, a board game and/or wine by the fire while it’s raining outside isn’t terrible either. Do whatever you can to make the best of your time. Anytime. All the time. Life is short.

Here’s to all of you staying safe and healthy and happy wherever you be. Much love to those in distress.