20 Minutes Time

What if you had just 20 minutes to disassemble your life?

The conversation stayed with me, and I felt the stirrings of a post. That when, distilled down, this could be a powerful lesson.

The scenario changes depending on what factors are at play. Around the entire world, wild fire is probably the number one threat, but there are also floods, drought, extreme heat, and extreme weather to deal with. While in some countries, it’s war. Sadly, in too many countries, that’s the case.

West Kelowna May 24

But the gist of this post boils down to this. Given 20 minutes of time to evacuate your dwelling, what goes with you?

And ironically enough, after deciding this was a good post concept, I found out this is Emergency Preparedness Week. Here is a good site for info to review.

So yes, there is the practical list of passports, prescription medications, and toiletries.  Definitely chargers and laptops, a flashlight, and basic clothing. And cash, it says. Jez, something I rarely ever have and perhaps should put some aside.

So that took 10 minutes to pull the above items together.  What else makes the list? Which sentimental item is precious enough to grab? How many do you have time to grab and space to instantly store in your vehicle?  

Every last person’s list would be different. Difficult choices would have to be made. This “exercise” or real-life experience would certainly crystallize that much of what we have is not essential. That our consumerism and consumption does not enrich our lives so much that it leaves the house when we do.

My list would include my wedding rings (which I rarely wear), the photo albums, negative books, and travel scrapbooks. I would also grab my Nanna’s table cloth, my children’s baby books, and the family history photos.  And by now, my 10 minutes is up, so the artwork and quilts likely won’t get grabbed.

We aren’t like turtles and don’t carry our houses with us, so choices have to be made. What’s on your list? Any thoughts from those who have lived through this sort of event?

Mission Creek Park, Kelowna May 24

Bernie

PS I have thought plenty of how war tears people from their homes and obliterates the buildings. Further strife reduces their belongings, and suddenly, they are clinging to life. We see the edges of this life on news reports and reading a book like The Beekeeper of Aleppo gives insight. But the reality is beyond my comprehension. As the war in the Ukraine drags into year 2 and the genocide in Gaza one can’t help but think about the PTSD of being bombed out of your house and home. Of losing your connection to stability and to a life that doesn’t revolve around the fight for actual life.