When Mother Nature Is the One In Charge
The harsh realization that we aren’t the only ones in control
Tell me, do you think you are in control of your life?
I know most days, I do. Maybe you’re like me. I use clocks and schedules and dates and hours. I split my life into tiny blocks to prove that I am in control.
But what if you and I aren’t the ones in total control? What if it’s all a facade to make ourselves feel better?
What if we — supposedly highly advanced 21st-century Homo sapiens — are still completely and totally at the whims of Mother Nature?
Flood As the New Normal
If you had asked me on Monday what I’d be doing for the rest of the week, I would have blurted out exactly what I had planned.
I would be starting a new schedule. I would be back into my full daily yoga practice after months off. I would begin a daily abundance ritual and continue the employment search. I would write one Medium article per day and walk my dog at the beach.
But none of that happened. Not because I didn’t want it to happen. Not because I was lazy or unmotivated.
Because the Earth had different plans.
And I wasn’t listening to her. And she is the one in charge. Always.
I knew there was a large amount of rain forecasted. That’s not too unusual. I knew there was a flood advisory along with that rain forecast. I assumed it was only for river overflow that has a relatively mild impact.
But I wasn’t paying attention. The Earth had different plans.
It’s Friday and I was supposed to have 5 days of getting back on the right track emotionally, physically, and financially.
Instead, I’ve spent the past 3 days inside my home surrounded by floodwaters.
I was supposed to be writing for 8 hours a day, improving my skills and seeking job opportunities.
Instead, I spent 8 hours today rounding up several gallons of uncontaminated water so I have enough to last the next few days.
I was supposed to be setting the tone for my new schedule — a more organized, productive, clutter-free, and focused life.
Instead, I’ve been shitting in a bucket, catching rainwater to filter and drink, attempting some semblance of a healthy meal from whatever scraps of food we have remaining, and trying to figure out where my elderly dog can potty.
The storm has since passed, but it left my home surrounded by the waters it dropped 3 days ago, likely causing rot and mold to set in.
And there’s more rain on the way, too.
Mother Nature Is Actually In Charge
I am telling you this so you can understand something vitally important for the rest of your life as we humans live out the ramifications of our planetary abuse.
Never underestimate the power of Mother Nature, of our Earth.
If you’ve somehow lived into the beginning stages of climate change this far and have yet to experience the tragedy of a natural disaster, consider yourself blessed. But don’t take it for granted.
The odds are good that you’ll have your trying time too.
The wildfires are out of control. The hurricanes are out of control. The flooding is out of control. The climate is totally out of control.
The scientists have warned us.
But, we didn’t listen. Not enough of us listened. We still haven’t drastically changed our ways. And who do we think will pay for that misguided step?
Inevitably, each one of us — at some point.
You cannot deny it any longer. You must prepare yourself. Not out of fear, but out of respect. Respect for your life. And, respect for the power of the planet.
With 2 natural climate disasters under my belt now, I can tell you this much. Amidst the throes of Mother Nature’s fury — in the desperate moments of panic and chaos mixed with a dash of terror—one has no choice but to deeply, humbly, acknowledge the immense power of our planet.
There is no denying who is in charge when it’s happening to you, to your home, and your family.
And no, it’s not you. It’s not me. When it comes down to this, it’s not even the government.
Our Earth is in charge: the beautiful planet we mistreat daily.
May she be gentle with us, even as we commit daily acts of climate negligence without a moment of remorse. And may you ready yourself for the impending effects of climate change that almost certainly will arrive at your doorstep in the coming years, if they haven’t already.
More flood tales to come. Sign up for my free Earth Lovers Newsletter.
