When hurricane Sandy hit the Eastern shores of the US, those who were affected struggled with gas shortage, no electricity in the approaching winter, having to stay with relatives in a cramped apartment, etc. Many don’t have a home to go back to.
Disasters come in all shapes, sizes and forms, losing someone close, a job, or being assaulted mentally, physically, or sexually. Whenever it occurs, we have to make the best of it all. You can always find the strength within if you look for it. What makes us sick is when we feel that the world is caving in and there is no way out.
Below are some principals I have used during the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti in 2010 and I am a better person for it.
• Use the resources that you have: Because of my reputation, as soon the lines of communication were open, I was able to get food and basic supplies on the ground on credit to feed hundreds. Many lives were saved until help arrived.
• Choose your battles: I am a gynecologist and have no physical trauma training. I decided that I would serve my country by staying here. Many fundraisings were done as well as helping coordinate many emergency medical teams, being the liaison for those on the ground with no telephone contact with each other; collecting medical supply, and finding bargain medications.
• You don’t have to wallow in the negative: As the immensity of the disaster kept coming in, I stopped watching TV or reading the newspaper; it only sapped the little energy I was maintaining.
• Be ready to accept help: Many friends of mine as well as strangers accompanied me with bringing food, donations, keeping me company, offering a shoulder to cry on, or helping with fundraising. I received many phone calls and e-mails telling me that they were thinking of me and keeping me in their prayers.
• It is okay to mourn: When the pain would be unbearable, I would just pray or weep and was not afraid to do it wherever I was.
• Be in the moment: We have the ability to be in the present, and enjoy our surroundings even though the world could be coming to an end in other areas. Watching bird plays or seeing the marvel of a beautiful rose keeps me grounded when the memory of the destructions come to mind.
• Accept little gestures with gratitude: During my last visit in Haiti, while walking alone on one of the streets, three young girls came running towards me, kissed me and told me that when they found out who I was, they wanted to let me know how much they loved me. The smallest one handed me a wild flower that she was holding behind her back. After they left, I just stood there and cried, this little gesture made it all worth it.
Dr. Carolle Jean-Murat, MD is a board-certified gynecologist and medical intuitive. She offers intuitive consultations (by telephone and in person). Dr. Carolle has worked extensively with female veterans survivors of military sexual trauma – MST, to include in-depth assessments, providing individualized alternative treatments, and testifying on their behalf at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Her new award-winning memoir is presently available at Amazon.com
For more information please visit her website, www.DrCarolle.com, or call 619-850-5030.
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