My Heart Goes Out To Texas

Seeing the images and news reports coming out of southeast Texas this past week have been difficult and also heartening. Nobody wants to see anyone go through all that Texans just went through to have their lives turned upside down in an instant. But after the storm, the news reports became heartening as we watched Texans help each other and saw others pouring in from different states with necessary items and to help aid in the rescue and recovery effort. That’s the true spirit of Americans – shown in the people stepping up and giving when in need. Not playing the victim card.

Water is Incredible

I’m amazed by water. We need it to survive. We’re made of it. It’s the primary building block of our cells. It hydrates us. It cleanses our body and flushes out toxins. But it can also destroy us as we’ve been a witness to this past week. Lives have been lost.

Water can also contribute to the growth of mold which can be extremely harmful. Mold isn’t something to take lightly.

I personally don’t have any experience living through a hurricane, but I have lived through a tornado, have seen neighbors live through a flood and I’ve also had my health destroyed by mold, so in some small ways, I can sympathize with what those who lived through Harvey are going through. In both the tornado and flood, I remember the sheer devastation and everyone’s belongings piled up high in trash heaps. It’s one thing to see it on TV, but it’s totally different to experience it in person – the sights, the sounds, and the smells.

Keep Pressing On

When you lose everything, it’s extremely stressful. I heard someone say that it affects you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. That is so true! Even though the challenge of Harvey is so extremely draining, it’s important to keep pressing forward. The people of Texas know that it’s going to be a long road, but they can come out better on the other side.

Take Mold Seriously

Mold has greatly impacted my life. When I was living in it, I didn’t realize that it was causing so many different symptoms in my body. Over the past 10+ years, I’ve experienced so many different health challenges. My husband can attest that I used to wake up with different symptoms and health issues everyday. More recently, I’ve had to throw away so many personal belongings (in multiple trash pick ups). I know what those in Texas are going through because it’s still raw for me. When you see your life’s memories laying at the end of your driveway in a trash pile, it’s emotional and it will be for some time to come. But out of all of the heartache that comes from losing everything, there is actually some good to keep focus on.

Things weigh us down – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I’ve seen this time and time again. I’ve watched people frozen and not able to move because of their fear of having to pack all of their items. I’ve watched as people can’t move forward because they are tied to their past – all of the memories in the their items. I’ve seen people anxious and overwhelmed because of all of their belongings that they are hoarding. The list can go on.

Also, our health is so important and you don’t want to lose it. Believe me, you don’t want to suffer with mold toxicity. In order to regain my health, as I want through our things, my mantra was ‘if in doubt, throw it out’. I encourage those who have encountered mold to do the same.

Starting over, I encourage you to live more naturally. Be cognizant of what you purchase. Look for items which are less toxic and don’t negatively impact your health. Living a “minimalist” lifestyle is very freeing. Not being tied to “things” frees you up to move forward.

Don’t Lose Hope

For those who have lived through the hurricane, don’t lose hope. Keep pressing forward. Be thankful for those who are coming along side you to help. As much as I know the road ahead is going to be difficult, there will be good to come out of it.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who have been impacted by the hurricane.

Read Next: The Ultimate Resource Guide for Overcoming Toxic Mold

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