The NOAA describes lightning as “ a massive electrostatic discharge in the atmosphere. It occurs when positive and negative electrical charges build up and separate within a storm cloud. When this charge imbalance becomes too great, it rapidly discharges to balance itself out, producing a brilliant flash of light and explosive heat.
Often when a storm approaches, we can tell it is coming because of the clues or signs that can be seen or felt. The colour of the sky changes sometimes to a green, grey colour. The winds increase, and the leaves of trees turn. Animals and birds seek shelter. Most times you can feel the barometric pressure change. Some people claim they feel the storm coming in their joints. Usually we have enough information, via weather reports, alerts on our phones to get to a safe place to weather out to the storm. In modern language weathering out the storm means to successfully survive or endure a difficult situation, hardship, or period of crisis without being permanently damaged or destroyed.
Sometimes in our lives, a storm is brewing. Emotional, physical, financial, social pressures are mounting. Our beliefs, thoughts and habits can become like strong winds that increase the intensity of said pressure. Ironically, we can be so committed to keeping it all together, that we do not even recognize the tell-tale signs that the storm is imminent.
On Feb 5, 2026, lightning struck for me. Not the lightning from the sky. The internal lightning from the build up of pressure of a prolonged over stimulated central nervous system. Along with some physical consequences, I was forced to stop and assess some thought patterns, held beliefs and habits. I did not recognize the warning signs of exhaustion. Even though, there had been many nights of being awake all night long. I could still pull off the required functions of requirements of life: managing a household, being an essential care-giver to my MIL, being a good wife and mother, and a competent business partner or so I thought. Any issues of headache, or physical stiffness or numbness, I just chalked up to being in menopause. Since so many women experience deep fatigue, insomnia, irritability or lack of focus during this time in life, it was a common sense to put it down to that. ( Look at all the ads trying to sell to us women, the latest drug, remedy or gizmo to fix fatigue.) Sometimes it takes a significant flash to cause one to pay attention.
Thankfully I knew to ask for help. I had a series of medical tests run and ruled out any critical issues. All those years of fitness classes, running and weight training paid dividends when it came to a healthy heart and arteries. Ladies, it is worthwhile to know your numbers.
What I did realize was that trying to be all things to all people cannot be done. I had to take a step back, reassess what truly mattered to me, and start recognizing what my heart desired. Self-care in the form of exercise, massage treatments and get togethers with family and friends had fallen by the wayside. I got caught up in the Obligation Station, ei. thinking I had to do this thing, and this deadline needed to be met, and I am behind on that commitment. It spins in your head and takes a lot of energy. Fear creeps in, telling you that what you do is not enough, or good enough. Then guilt shows up and it spreads the lie that “I am doing something wrong”. Shame may join in the chorus, with the line that says, “There must be something wrong with me”. Shame also encourages us to compare ourselves with others. We may think it looks like everyone else has it all together, why don’t I? It is funny, that because I view myself as a healthy, fit person who is well educated in wellness when a health issue comes up, I view it as a failure, because I should know better and do better…
Well, That thought has got to go. That is ego. Capture the thought, analyse it, is it true? Is it beneficial to me? Is it loving? How can it be reframed so it is loving, beneficial and true?
The body reacts to what the mind believes. So, if I want harmony in the body, I want harmony in the mind. Most importantly, I want a spirit of harmony. This spirit is within us. How does one align with that spirit? One must quiet the mind. The levels of spiritual, emotional, mental and physical can not be separated. One impacts the others. For me, the best way to quiet the mind, get to the root issue, and start healing by aligning head to heart is with PureBioenergy Healing Therapy. That and returning to daily spiritual practices are what helped me to get through this storm. I am grateful to Shirley Benson and Stephanie Cote for giving me PureBioenergy Healing Therapy sessions. I am grateful to Jane for her daily phone calls. I am grateful to my husband for his constant care. I am grateful to Rose for reminding me to rest, and that certain things cannot be rushed.
As the storm settles, and I look back to what I had learned in the aftermath. Here are a few lessons on restoration of self care.
Self love is consistent self-care. Not just care when symptoms show up. Not a Band-Aid over the problem and then ignoring it. Self- care like a boundary saying “I can’t take that project on at this time”. Self-care includes being honest with yourself and with others.
Care like scheduling the time for a stretching program or a Pilates class or a walk in the woods with a friend. Self-care like eating healthy proteins and vegetables on a regular basis, even if you might not feel hungry. Never skip meals or go too long without eating, as hunger signals your body to release stress hormones. And those stress hormones can reek havoc with our central nervous system and our sleep.
Self love can be spending time with your loved ones and just being. Not having to do anything to prove love. Just being with them and being yourself is enough. It is all that truly matters. The gift of being present. Laughter cures a variety of ills.
Self-care includes talking to a trusted friend or counsellor when issues arise. Sometimes a solution may not be readily available, but a burden shared is a burden halved. Decreasing the worry of a situation, allows our creative mind and spirit to be open to a solution. Prayer is a proven element to decrease stress and increase balance. As Edgar Cacey reminds us, we are spiritual beings having an adventure of consciousness. Jesus tells us, that whatever you ask for, in my name will be given you. Meditation can bring one to the inner quiet space. Once we recognize that frenetic energy of worry, or fear, the awareness changes everything. We can choose to align with a peaceful alternative. Recognizing the pattern of isolating yourself is also important. We are meant for community and being alone for too long, impedes healing.
Now, I am not saying this is easy. Consistency takes effort. Capturing our thoughts and stopping the harsh judgement of ourselves (and others) takes a spiritual strength that is only achievable with practice. I do have to accept myself where I am at. But that doesn’t mean that I will stay in this place. The pressures we put on ourselves deserved to be examined, to determine if they are real, if they are sharable or if they are even necessary. Physical strength is increased by consistent and increasing effort, so is spiritual strength. To stay balanced, I need both.
Thanks again to all who helped me weather this storm. If you are reading this and feel you would like a safe environment to assist you during your life storm, please reach out. We will share our umbrella. In gratitude and Love, Judy
