Ready for Tomorrow: The Power of Being Prepared

There is one thing we can be certain of in life: we cannot be certain about everything. We are living in times when many people are wondering what might happen next. There is uncertainty surrounding our jobs, businesses, finances, communities, government, health, families, and even the world around us. Turn on the news or scroll through social media, and it can sometimes feel as though another crisis is waiting around the corner. That uncertainty can create fear. It can cause anxiety. And for some, it can leave us feeling overwhelmed because we simply do not know where to start. But I believe there is something we can do. We can prepare.

Preparation does not mean that we will know everything that is coming. It does not mean we can prevent every emergency, disappointment, job loss, natural disaster, or unexpected turn in life. Preparation means we have taken thoughtful steps to position ourselves to respond rather than simply react. Recently, Forgiving For Living, Inc., hosted a workshop for young women titled “Ready For Tomorrow.” The purpose was simple but important: to help our young women understand that being prepared for tomorrow requires us to think about the whole person.

Yes, we discussed emergency preparedness. We talked about what should be included in emergency kits for the home and automobile. We encouraged participants to think about what they would do if they suddenly had to evacuate, lost electricity, could not access their normal resources, or experienced another type of emergency or catastrophe. For example, do you have water? Food? Necessary medications? Flashlights and batteries? Copies of important documents? Emergency contacts? A plan for where your family will meet if you become separated? These may sound like basic questions, until the moment you need the answers. But our conversation went deeper because being prepared is not only about what is inside your emergency kit. What is inside of you, matters, too.

Unexpected events can take an emotional and psychological toll. Fear about tomorrow can contribute to stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness. For some people, emotional distress can become so severe that they experience suicidal thoughts. That is why mental and emotional preparedness must be part of the conversation. I was grateful to have psychiatrist, Dr. Lauren Walton, Vice Chair of the Forgiving For Living, Inc. Board of Directors, share her expertise with our young women. Her presentation reminded us that caring for our mental health is not something we should wait to do until a crisis occurs. We need to recognize when we are struggling, know where to seek help, and understand that asking for support is a sign of wisdom. We also had Rhonda Carter break down the practical necessities of emergency preparedness and what should be included in our emergency kits. Knowledge becomes empowering when we know how to put it into action. And then there is another kind of preparedness that we sometimes overlook: community. We need each other.

One of the most important messages we shared during “Ready For Tomorrow” was that none of us has to navigate uncertainty alone. We need family, friends, neighbors, mentors, churches, community organizations, professionals, and people we trust. Being prepared includes knowing who you can call and being willing to become someone another person can call. There is strength in community. I want to express my sincere appreciation to Kandee Lewis, President and CEO of Positive Results Center, for partnering with Forgiving For Living and generously opening her space for us to host this important workshop. I am also grateful to SoCalGas and Comerica Bank for their generosity and support. Partnerships like these demonstrate what can happen when organizations come together with a shared commitment to helping young people thrive. Perhaps one of my favorite moments of the workshop came at the end when we were able to award scholarships to two young women, Mia Hilliard and Mya Starling, to support them on their journeys as they prepare for tomorrow. In closing, let us always remember to check on the people we love and make sure they are okay. 

Wendy is the Purpose Partner helping women go from Crossroads to Confidence, from Shaken to Unshakable, from Purpose to Power. To learn more visit WendyGladney.com and ForgivingForLiving.org