For many people this year has now started in February, as January was just a write-off – for all the wrong reasons. Usually for us January is a time to recharge the batteries for the year ahead. My batteries remain on red.
Everyone has a story attached to the fires across Australia. The stories for many started in February 2019 when a series of fires started hitting the community around Tenterfield and I witnessed the devastation there.
My story hardly compares to the grief and loss of many others but it is my story and it is this…
I cried with my sister on New Years Eve as we waited for days to know if she had lost her home when many of her neighbours she sat with knew they had already lost theirs.
I cried with relief as we found out the loss was confined to the gardens, sheds and fences. I cried with grief at the loss of her chooks and sheep.
I rejoiced when some baby chicks were found sheltered under a piece of tin.
I marvelled at her luck taking in the scorched walls and melted engines not metres away.
I mourned for her friends who metres away lost so much more.
I gave thanks to her generous neighbour who had saved her house with nothing more than bravery behind a manual hand held water pack.
I’ve fretted sleepless while my husband spent nights saving the properties and animals of strangers.
I’ve donated money, food, animal bedding and accommodation.
It wasn’t too hard to convince me to #buyfromthebush.
I swam in the ash-lined ocean because they asked us to come back. I waited while my family got stranded on the other side of the fires to me.
Yet here I am now back home safe, while areas continue to burn or remain on alert and we might have to go through the same again. I sit here wanting to do more than to be consumed by the feelings of powerlessness.
While we cannot all give a lot or give in the same way we can give in our own way.
At the end of my meditation today I reflected on my gifts. I am a change management coach for businesses. I inspire people to come up with creative solutions for simple or complex problems. And that is how I can now help.
If you are a business owner from a fire or drought area and want to chat, book in a time with me via calendly.
If you are a local council or a business network I can run free business workshops for your constituents.
You might need me now or at a time in the future when the media lose interest and the fire fatigue sets in. More will still need to be done and I will be here.
If you’d like to know more about me www.purplepyjamas.com.auor email meVickie@purplepyjamas.com.au.
Stay safe.
