Natural disasters dominated the news in 2017, from Texas to Oregon. I wrote about the true needs after a natural disaster strikes which inspired lots of discussion.
When Hurricane Irma barreled through the state of Florida, my cousin evacuated. After the fact, I ask her what she packed knowing that she may return to nothing. Without a moment’s hesitation, she responded, “Kids, Clothes, and Cats.” “Oh…and any medicine that would be difficult to replace.” That’s it. That’s all they packed.
Sentimental Stuff
So I pressed a little further, “What about sentimental stuff or photographs?” Her response, “I thought about it, but my photos were stored in the cloud and there was no room in the car for sentimental items.” Their only concern, find enough gas to drive out of the state and not get stuck on the highway with everything that did matter to them (i.e., the kids and cats.)
Thankfully, they arrived safe and sound in Virginia 12 hours later. And better yet, returned home to very little damage. They were the lucky ones. Or were they? Many survivors of natural disasters, who lose everything, experience a value shift or spiritual change because they realize stuff isn’t important to them. Starting over by living simply can have a life-changing effect on people.
Floods and Fires
This picture pretty much sums it up for 2017.
Another family escaped wildfires in California. Sarah Cocks fled her house in Napa before it was consumed by fire. This tragedy “made us realize that whatever stuff we had can eventually be replaced,” Sarah Cocks says. “Getting out with your life and your animal companions is more important.”
In all the articles I read about natural disasters, there’s one common thread summed up best by this Santa Rosa resident who lost everything.
One couple survived the wildfires after six hours in their neighbor’s pool. As they attempted an evacuation, they placed just three items in their truck. In the pool, they hugged each other for warmth and talked about their love for each other and their family. Notice they didn’t talk about the three items.
Another family evacuated Hurricane Irma just like my cousin. Stephanie Kurleman said, “I thought I wouldn’t come back to anything.“ She gathered documents, photos, her Bible, jewelry, plus the kids’ kiteboards. But they returned to very little damage despite being prepared to start over. She realized, “I could live simpler.”
Clean Slate
Natural disasters and loss give perspective. Survivors learn what really matters. In a strange way, they provide a much needed clean slate for many families. Often times, my clients are overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. They live the American Dream and move to bigger houses because it’s the natural answer to “too-much-stuff-problems.” Moving inspires a certain level of decluttering but what if we just downsized inside the same house? Think how much less stressful and less expensive that would be?
After a natural disaster, the cleanup process is messy and rebuilding is painful. I know. I did so after a flood. We rebuilt differently. Less furniture, fewer items stored in the closets. Moreover, we chose durable exterior materials to remodel the space and removed as much “stuff” as possible. After all, it could happen again. We brought back only the bare minimum furnishings.
I even worked with a client who mused it would be easier if everything went up in smoke. While I don’t think that’s the answer, I know it describes how overwhelming our stuff is. Instead of wishing for a hurricane, we can channel this desire for a “reset” into serious decluttering and purging. Make tough decisions and feel freer and lighter because of it. What we own versus what we need are two very different lists.
As the survivors of natural disasters will tell you….”When it’s gone in the blink of an eye, you realize what you really need to survive and what matters most. Shelter, food, family, and clothes.” Oh, and maybe some cats 🙂
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