There is no doubt that Aotearoa New Zealand has faced relentless challenges over the recent years. It was first thought that it is simply the media's ability to readily report events that highlights them for us. Partly true. However, looking at the statistics reveals that we have been through a lot!
Two earthquakes in Canterbury, Pike River mine collapse, Kaikoura earthquake, Whakaari White Island eruption, Christchurch Mosque shootings, Covid-19 pandemic, and two extreme weather events in the upper North Island in two weeks. Whew, and those are just the big ones.
A big thank you to everyone who works in the emergency services for responding to these events, putting yourselves in harm's way to selflessly save others while facing the same challenges as we do.
A bigger thank you to the many volunteers and community groups who set aside their own needs for the welfare of others less able to help themselves.
A massive thank you to you! You have been through so much in the last 12 years and you have worked your way through each one.
Now is not the time to reflect, now is the time to continue to work your way through whatever befalls you.
One step at a time, the slower the better, doing one small thing each day towards getting through what's in front of you.
We must all process these events at some point, we have to, otherwise they will appear more and more relentless.
When the time is right, and you will know when, reflect on your achievements. Look at what you faced, look at what you got through, look at how you got through it, and look at who was there to support you through another of life's challenges.
You will get through this, I promise you.
Help yourself, accept help, and help others.
You've got this, we've got this, always together.
Let's talk!