The air is thick with anticipation. The winds🌬️whisper their warnings and the sky feels heavy with the weight of what is to come. Across Southeast Queensland, communities wait—watching, preparing, hoping. Some wait with curiosity, others with quiet resilience and for many, there is fear. The fear of loss, of destruction, of what may be swept away.
This is the reality of a cyclone🌀—it does not discriminate. It moves with force, reshaping the land and lives in its path. And yet, within its power, there is something deeper at play.
Storms have always been a symbol of transformation. In nature, they clear away the old, making way for renewal. But when faced with the possibility of losing something dear, that idea feels distant, even cruel. Change is never easy when it comes suddenly, without permission.
For those who have been through this before, the anxiety lingers within. The memory of past storms, past losses, can rise like waves before the wind has even touched the shore. It is natural to feel afraid. You are not alone in that.
As the rain begins to fall, it carries with it the weight of uncertainty. Fear is not weakness—it is the mind’s way of keeping us safe, of preparing us for what is beyond our control. It is okay to feel uneasy. It is okay to acknowledge the tension between holding on and letting go.
Yet within the chaos, there is always something to hold onto. The kindness of neighbours, the strength of community, the resilience that exists even in the face of the unknown. Storms may be powerful, but so is the Human Spirit.
At the center of every cyclone, there is a moment of stillness. The eye of the storm—a space where the winds pause, the world holds its breath and silence takes over.
This stillness exists within us, too. No matter how wild the winds may rage, no matter how uncertain the future feels, there is a place inside that remains untouched. A place of inner strength, of faith, of quiet surrender. We are stronger than we know.
Preparing Mentally for the Cyclone
Just as we prepare our homes—securing windows, gathering supplies and creating safety plans—it is just as important to prepare our minds.
✔️Ground Yourself in the Present – Fear often comes from imagining the worst. Bring your awareness to the here and now. Take slow, deep breaths, feeling your feet on the ground. Anchor yourself in what you can control.
✔️Have a Plan – Uncertainty breeds anxiety. Having a clear plan—knowing where to go, what to do and who to contact—creates a sense of security. Trust in your preparation.
✔️Limit Overconsumption of News – Staying informed is important, but constant exposure to alarming updates can heighten stress. Check for updates at scheduled times and then step away.
✔️Lean on Connection – Reach out to family, friends or neighbours. Share concerns, offer support and remind each other that no one is facing this alone.
✔️Create a Calming Ritual – Whether it’s meditation, journaling or simply sitting with a warm cup of tea, small moments of peace can help regulate emotions in times of uncertainty.
✔️Trust in Resilience – Just as nature endures, so do we. Remind yourself of past challenges you have overcome. This, too, will pass.
After the Storm
When the winds settle and the rain fades, there may be loss. There may be grief. But there will also be hands reaching out to help, voices offering comfort, hearts willing to rebuild together.
No one is ever truly alone in the aftermath. And just as nature always finds a way to heal, so do we.
So as we wait for Cyclone Alfred, let us hold space for every emotion that rises—fear, hope, uncertainty and courage. Let us care for ourselves, for each other, for those who are vulnerable. And when the skies clear, may we find strength not just in what remains, but in the love and support that carries us forward.
We weather this together.
Big Hugs x
Lamisha
Comments