The Other Side of the Sun, my upcoming novel (check out the trailer here), is apocalyptic fiction at its finest. It explores what happens when the world as we know it comes to an end, and the characters are forced to adapt and survive in a completely new environment without the aid of technology. While this scenario may seem far-fetched (it’s not), the truth is that emergencies can happen at any time, whether it’s a natural disaster, a terrorist attack, pandemic, or a good old fashion robot invasion. That’s why it’s important to be prepared and develop the grit to survive when things get tough. This is the first blog post for me and this website. I often wonder if society has what it takes to survive if things really turn tough. With this post, let’s talk about grit and preparedness, focusing on what to have in your home, how to survive, and the importance of grit in emergency situations.
Prepare BEFORE there is a problem
The first step in emergency preparedness is to ensure that you have the necessary supplies in your home before the emergency happens. You should have enough food, water, and medical supplies to last at least three days. Some other items to consider include flashlights, batteries, a radio, a first-aid kit, and a multi-purpose tool. It’s also a good idea to have a plan in place in case you need to evacuate your home quickly, such as a bug-out bag with essential items like clothes, medication, and important documents. That would be an extreme example of “things needed” but given the state of the world it’s not as far-fetched as it used to be. In The Other Side of the Sun, the characters had to scavenge for supplies and learn to live off their wits. However, you can work ahead of time to minimize and pain and discomfort that could come with a prolonged emergency.
Having the necessary supplies in your home is a crucial aspect of emergency preparedness. Here are some items that you should consider always having on hand:
- Food: You should have enough non-perishable food to last for at least three days. Make sure to choose items that don’t require refrigeration or cooking, such as canned goods, granola bars, and dried fruit. If you have specific dietary restrictions, or small children, be extra mindful about what your needs are. Food is important, but you CAN survive for quite a while without eating.
- Water: You should have at least one gallon of water per person per day. You can store water in plastic containers or purchase bottled water. We’ll talk in a subsequent post about water, but you can NOT survive very long without drinking water. If you store some somewhere in your home, make sure you rotate it out regularly.
- Medical supplies: You should have a first-aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any prescription medication you need.
- Flashlights and batteries: You should have at least one flashlight per person, along with extra batteries. Invest in a good flashlight, not some crappy one that’s not going to work the first time you need it to. One extra bonus about some quality flashlights, they make good clubs should you need one.
- Radio: You should have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay informed about the emergency. Staying informed is key. You need to have the ability to get news and instructions.
- Multi-purpose tool: You should have a tool that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as a Swiss Army knife or a multi-tool. If you don’t have one, get one. You have no idea how useful they are until you get one and start using it.
- Bug-out bag: You should have a bag packed with essential items that you can grab quickly in case you need to evacuate your home. Sounds extreme, but if you need to use it, you’ll be glad you have it.
In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t take all that long to get some things together to give you help if things go wrong. Anything you do ahead of an issue will help you to have an easier go of it should you be faced with a difficult situation.
How to survive
You can’t discuss “how to survive” in two paragraphs. That said, in addition to having the necessary supplies, there are several strategies you can use to increase your chances of survival in an emergency. One of the most important is to stay informed, which was mentioned above. You should have access to the latest news and information about the emergency, whether it’s through a radio, TV, or social media. You should also have a plan in place and practice it regularly with your family.
Once you feel as though you have your supply situation handled, there are several strategies you can use to increase your chances of survival in an emergency. Here are a few tips:
- Stay informed: Keep up to date with the latest news and information about the emergency. This will help you make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
- Have a plan: Create a plan with your family and practice it regularly. Make sure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. A simple fire evacuation plan can save lives.
- Stay calm: Try to remain calm and avoid panicking. Panic can lead to poor decision-making and dangerous behavior. The key to any emergency is taking a second to think. Sometimes you have to just react and that’s why having emergency plans in place is so critical. You may be scared, maybe more scared than you’ve ever been, but if you can take a moment to really think about the situation, you’ll make better decisions.
- Work together: Help each other out by sharing supplies and providing emotional support. Working together can increase your chances of survival.
The importance of grit
Grit is a quality that is not talked about enough. Grit is defined as “passion and perseverance in the pursuit of long-term goals, especially in the face of adversity.” In other words, it’s the ability to keep going when things get tough. In The Other Side of the Sun, the characters had to develop grit to survive in a world that had been turned upside down. They faced numerous challenges, from scavenging for food and water to defending themselves from dangerous people. Through it all, they never gave up and never lost sight of their long-term goals.
Grit is a characteristic that not only helps in emergency situations but also in achieving long-term success. People with grit are more likely to persevere through difficult situations and maintain focus on their goals, even when faced with setbacks or obstacles. While some people may have a natural inclination towards grit, it is also a skill that can be developed over time.
To cultivate grit, it’s important to set achievable yet challenging goals that require effort and perseverance. This could be anything from learning a new skill, to completing a difficult project, to reaching a fitness goal. When pursuing these goals, it’s essential to maintain a positive mindset, even when facing challenges or setbacks. It’s easy to become discouraged or overwhelmed when facing obstacles, but a positive attitude can help maintain momentum and focus.
It’s also important to focus on the things that are within our control, rather than dwelling on external factors that may be out of our control. By focusing on what we can do and what we can change, we can maintain a sense of agency and control, even in difficult situations. This can help to build resilience and a sense of inner strength, which are essential components of grit.
Michael Easter’s newsletter, dedicated to doing hard things and building resilience, is an excellent resource for anyone looking to cultivate grit. His approach emphasizes the importance of pushing oneself outside of comfort zones and embracing difficult challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
Developing grit is an essential component of success, whether in emergency situations or in pursuing long-term goals. By setting challenging yet achievable goals, maintaining a positive mindset, and focusing on what is within our control, we can cultivate grit and build resilience, which are crucial components of achieving success and overcoming adversity.
Conclusion
Being prepared for an emergency is something that everyone should take seriously. By having the necessary supplies, developing a plan, and cultivating grit, you can increase your chances of surviving in an emergency. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a terrorist attack, or a pandemic, being prepared and having the grit to persevere can make all the difference.
We can all take steps to be better prepared for emergencies. The Other Side of the Sun is a work of fiction, but it highlights the importance of grit and preparedness in emergency situations. By having the necessary supplies, staying informed, and working together with others, we can increase our chances of survival. And, of course, don’t forget to check out The Other Side of the Sun for an exciting and thought-provoking journey through an apocalyptic world where grit and preparedness are essential for survival.