My Tilly hat and stormy weather

Last week, storm Debi hit the northwest coast, bringing wind gusts up to 80 mph in my area. I was out walking Barney and nearly lost my hat. I grabbed it just in time before a gust took it over a hedge into a flooded field of cows. That phrase may seem strange but not as odd as the sight of said cows paddling up to their knees.

I would have been extremely sad to lose my hat. It is a Tilly hat, it was expensive, and I love it (whatever anyone says about how I look in it). As I sighed with relief at my quick catch, I thought how daft I was not to have secured it with its neck cord.

I rarely put the neck cord around; I worry that using it will be a step too far and make me look silly.

We can be like this, too, in the storms of life. We have the right gear and strategies to protect us, but don’t use them to their full potential. We somehow feel embarrassed by needing protection or support. We leave the ties undone or, worse, go hatless. From now on, I’m doing up the neck cord in the wind. In storms of life and emotional difficulties, I’m going to fully carry out the strategies I have.

Watching the news that night after my stormy walk, I saw that some areas of the country had a red weather warning. The experts advised people not to go out because there was a risk to life. Two weeks ago, my GP gave me a red warning for my mental health. She advised me to take time off. I didn’t want to, but she and I were wise. I took shelter at home. And found refuge in conversation with my therapist. Thankfully, the warning level is reducing.

I don’t understand storm chasers. To me, it looks like unappealing adrenaline and danger. We might not find a thrill in a storm, but many of us living in temperate climates are unprepared for freak weather. Where would you find shelter if needed? Would you take time off work, say no to commitments, or confide in a good friend? it pays to be ready.