10 things I've learned about being in a crisis

An incomplete list and in no particular order

I wanted to expand on something I touched on in last week’s letter.

Last week, I shared my answer to the question, “How do you know when something has to change? What do you do about it?”

In my experience, it usually takes a series of turning points and a lot of waiting time in between to really know; to finally reach the answer or clear direction we’re searching for.

If this goes on long enough, we’ll inevitably reach a breaking point. And that’s what I wanted to write about this week: What happens when we’re thrust into a crisis.

Here’s what I’ve learned about being in a crisis:

1. The crisis is the ultimate turning point, for better or worse. A crisis is the moment when we’re forced to make a choice: do this thing, do that thing or do nothing at all.

2. A crisis is intense. Scary. Depleting. Adrenaline-inducing. Exhausting. Devastating. All of the above and more.
   

3. A crisis can go on for weeks, months, sometimes longer.

4. Living in a crisis is not sustainable long-term.

5. So many times I think, “I can’t do this anymore. I can’t go on another day,” and then, I do. Another day passes and I realize that I can, indeed, go on another day.

6. A crisis is a paradox.
   

7. A crisis provides clarity. All non-essential things fall by the wayside. We learn who we are and what we value. We discover what makes us stand firm, what makes us move in a new direction, and what makes us fight for the thing we don’t want to lose.
   

8. Add being in a crisis to the list of things I do not recommend. Thumbs down. Zero stars.

9. A crisis serves a purpose. A crisis can lead us towards learning, growth, healing, repair, insight and new perspective. It’s a muscle we never want to flex, but when we do, there’s quite often, no turning back.
   

10. A crisis will change you. While it’s never a pleasant thing and usually a terrible thing, it’s not always a bad thing.

Question to consider: What has being in a crisis taught you?

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Upcoming Events:

My next book talk will be held at the main branch of the Charleston County Public Library on Saturday, February 24 at 10:00 am. I hope to see you there!

More dates in my book talk series hosted by the Charleston County Library:

• Tuesday, March 5 @ 2 p.m. – Hurd/St. Andrews Library

• Thursday, March 14 @ 4 p.m. - Edisto Library

• Tuesday, March 19 @ 6 p.m. – Wando Mount Pleasant Library

• Saturday, April 27 @ 2p.m. – Baxter-Patrick James Island Library

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I’m Angie Mizzell, the author of the coming-of-age memoir “Girl in the Spotlight”. Thank you for reading my weekly newsletter “Hello Friday”. I’m glad you’re here.

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