Our hearts go out to all those affected by hurricanes Harvey and Irma.  Natural disasters can challenge our basic assumptions about safety and personal well-being.  The trauma and distress that can be part of the aftermath maybe overwhelming, leaving us feeling helpless and defeated. At the same time, we can learn very important lessons about our inner strength and ability to function in difficult circumstances.    Research has shown that a psychological concept known as resilience (the process of adapting well in the face of adversity) is a common characteristic of human beings who find their way through adverse situations.  The links below offer information about common thoughts and feelings that can occur after a disaster, as well as tips for tapping into our innate resource - resilience.    

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Always remember

that your present situation

is not your

final destination.

The best is yet to come.

Hurricane Irma Coverage

http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/05/us/hurricane-irma-puerto-rico-florida/index.html

https://weather.com/storms/hurricane

http://live.reuters.com/Event/Live_Hurricane_Irma

https://www.nbcnews.com/video/watch-live-coverage-of-hurricane-irma-1040645699733

Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery

http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane

https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4068/updates/hurricane-safety-tips-learn-what-do-during-and-after-hurricane

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Hurricane Irma Coverage

http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/05/us/hurricane-irma-puerto-rico-florida/index.html

https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/hurricane-irma-florida-georgia-south-carolina-north-carolina-forecast

https://scetv.org/hurricane-irma

Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery

http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane

https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4068/updates/hurricane-safety-tips-learn-what-do-during-and-after-hurricane

Read more

Hurricane Irma Coverage

http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/05/us/hurricane-irma-puerto-rico-florida/index.html

https://weather.com/storms/hurricane

http://live.reuters.com/Event/Live_Hurricane_Irma

https://www.nbcnews.com/video/watch-live-coverage-of-hurricane-irma-1040645699733

Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery

http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane

https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4068/updates/hurricane-safety-tips-learn-what-do-during-and-after-hurricane

Read more

Hurricane Irma Coverage

http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/05/us/hurricane-irma-puerto-rico-florida/index.html

https://weather.com/storms/hurricane

http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2017/09/hurricane_irma_on_florida_trac.html

Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery

http://www.tampabay.com/topics/specials/hurricane-preparedness.page

http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane

https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4068/updates/hurricane-safety-tips-learn-what-do-during-and-after-hurricane

Read more

Hurricane Irma Coverage

http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/05/us/hurricane-irma-puerto-rico-florida/index.html

https://weather.com/storms/hurricane

http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2017/09/hurricane_irma_on_florida_trac.html

Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery

http://www.tampabay.com/topics/specials/hurricane-preparedness.page

http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane

https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4068/updates/hurricane-safety-tips-learn-what-do-during-and-after-hurricane

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By all these lovely tokens September days are here, With summer's best of weather And autumn's best of cheer.

Helen Hunt Jackson

Labor Day was designed to celebrate the achievements of the American worker, honoring the labor movement of the later part of the 19^th century. The person putting in a 40-50 hour work week - grinding it out over hot coals, day after day.

It is a time to have barbecues, family picnics, and celebrate the work put in through-out the year as well as pause and rest.

It also signifies the change in season - the end of summer.  School is back in session, fall is approaching, and the days at the swimming pool and beach are over. The stressors of a new season are about to begin.

It’s important to honor and recognize the work we’ve...

Whether you are directly or indirectly impacted by a natural disaster, it is normal to feel a range of emotions. The destruction created by floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and fires may vary, but a common thread is how we experience strong emotions in the aftermath.

When a natural disaster strikes, the most basic needs of food, water, shelter and safety are disrupted. A disaster of any size can shake our sense of security and reality. You may be far from the destruction, experiencing the disaster through media coverage and still be very affected. Common reactions to a disaster are disbelief, fear, numbness, anger, powerlessness and disorientation. You may have physical responses such as headaches, stomachaches and trouble sleeping. People respond differently at different times so it’s important not...