Episode 33. "How to Give & Get Help": Lessons from the Texas Freeze

In this episode, I narrated how the Texas freeze impacted me and my family. In this once in a century event, there were power and water outages that created conditions unfit for wellbeing. Some lost comfort, others property and for 21 people, as at today, their lives as temperatures were subzero in degrees Celsius.

It was tragic but somewhere in the thick of this week, I found a lot to be grateful for. In the words of Michael Dooley, “Disaster gave me two things: a moment to react and a decision to overcome”. I share our story of a nine-hour harrowing journey, sleeping in three homes on consecutive nights and living with uncertainty. Ultimately, I learned two things: the next time there is such a forecast, I will overestimate the impact and make adequate arrangements.

So many people want to help and several others need help at such times. I shared some guidelines on how to give and get help, while honoring boundaries: yours and others.

How to help people going through major events or natural disasters:

• Make Fewer Calls 14:30
• Ask and Offer 16:38
• Tangible Help 19:29
• Respect People’s Boundaries 21:00

How to respond to help in a major event or natural disasters:

• Use Blanket Messages 19:30
• Find a Way to let People Know You are Safe 20:29
• Take Help ASAP 21:06
• Share your Boundaries 21:41

Importantly, when in weather eventualities, find humor in the situation. Lastly, be thankful for the blessings that seem so little like sunlight and rain, like water and power… few realize their importance till they are gone.

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