Musings

Have you ever taken the time to really focus on the pictures that depict the aftermath of a tornado? Everyone seems to be in a dazed state. While those who have survived the storm look furtively for anything that will be a point of connection to their past, there is little left behind for them to find hope. All they have is memories, but thinking of them only makes the consciousness of their present dilemma more depressing. There is little or no sense to the chaos.

The onslaught of information in our world comes rushing into our minds like tornadoes. While the storm of thoughts, sights, and sounds are raging, it is hard to make sense of it all. Once you think that you have it all figured out so that you can move on to the next project, here comes another piece of information. Each new piece keeps coming at you like pieces of swirling debris in this whirlwind of mental thoughts. It’s hard to maintain your balance in this onslaught of informational diversity.

When you duck to avoid one piece of information, you have to be careful that you don’t get smacked and tossed about by another. As hard as you try to maintain your balance, it seems to be fruitless. You get swept off your feet, hoping that the landing will not hurt or kill you. At least you can find some consolation in the fact that you’re now moving about with all the rest of the stuff of the storm. However, the question is, where will you wind up? Where will this storm get you?

There is no gentleness to the landing. You’re peppered by other informational debris, battered by the wind of words, scarred by the immensity of the volume of stuff, and dazed by the landing. Where are you? What do you do next? Where do you start in your recovery? The answer is quite clear. Anywhere you start is the best starting place.

Pick a spot. The journey of a life time begins with a single step. In order to extricate yourself from the informational debris, you have to pick a point on the horizon, maintain your focus, and start where you are. The victims of tornadoes seem to always find at least one little thing that spurs them to recovery. It doesn’t have to be much. Just the fact that they survived is a reason to hope for a better tomorrow.