Finding Strength in the Storm: How Our Unique Talents Can Help Us Rebuild
When Storms Hit, We Find Ourselves at a Crossroads
Florida is no stranger to hurricanes. Over the past several years, our community has faced storm after storm, each one leaving behind its own unique challenges and impacts. My family and I live in Fort Myers, and after Hurricane Ian hit two years ago, we braced ourselves for the worst when Hurricane Milton came through. Fortunately, we were spared, and we felt a profound sense of gratitude. But our hearts go out to those who were impacted more directly—those who have been left picking up the pieces.
Hurricanes Michael, Ian, Helene, and Milton have all left deep scars—not just on homes and streets but also on the hearts of those affected. Each storm forces us to face uncertainty and fear that linger long after the skies clear. And we find ourselves at a crossroads: Do we allow the weight of it all to hold us down, or do we rise together and rebuild?
Rebuilding Goes Beyond Structures—It Involves Community
When you think about recovery, you probably imagine repairing roofs and clearing debris. But recovery is about so much more than that. It’s about rediscovering hope, reconnecting with each other, and finding ways to adapt to a world that’s constantly changing. While preparing for Hurricane Milton, my wife and I were joking about where we could go to avoid natural disasters altogether. We thought about Wyoming, but we wouldn't survive the winters—and let's not forget that one day Yellowstone's super-volcano might decide to wake up. Then we considered moving out west, but the threat of wildfires and earthquakes seemed daunting. The truth is…there’s nowhere without challenges. Every place has its risks.
What we needed most wasn’t a change of location—it was a change of mindset. We realized that our unique strengths could be our greatest assets in times of crisis. CliftonStrengths® taught us that each of us has talents that can guide how we respond to adversity. These strengths go far beyond our professional lives. They can help us find direction in moments of crisis, showing us where we can make the greatest impact and how we can best contribute to recovery efforts in our community.
The Consequences of Not Knowing Our Strengths
After a storm, I’ve often watched others spring into action—organizing, comforting, rebuilding—and felt a sense of inadequacy because my strengths didn’t seem as obviously useful at the time. I would see people diving right into the physical work of clearing debris, offering hands-on support, or comforting those affected. Meanwhile, my natural talents—Intellection®, Input®, Adaptability®, Connectedness®, and Learner®—didn't seem to fit those immediate needs. I would find myself reflecting deeply, considering what could be learned from the situation, thinking about how all the pieces fit together, or seeking information to help us move forward. But in the chaos of recovery, it often felt like those contributions were less visible or less appreciated. This made me realize how easily we can feel out of place when we don’t understand or embrace our unique contributions.
When we don’t know our strengths, it’s hard to know where we fit in, which often leaves us feeling disconnected or undervalued. Imagine someone who isn’t naturally empathetic trying to comfort others—they might feel awkward or ineffective, believing their efforts aren’t making a difference. Or think of someone who excels at taking action. They might focus on getting things done but overlook the emotional needs of others, causing those they’re helping to feel unseen and misunderstood. As a result, their hard work might go unrecognized, leaving them feeling undervalued and unappreciated. Without understanding and embracing our unique talents, we stretch ourselves too thin, miss opportunities to contribute effectively, and often feel like we’re not making a real difference.
However, when we understand our strengths, we find where we truly belong and make meaningful contributions. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, we can focus on being the best version of ourselves in the areas where we can have the most impact.
Imagine What We Could Achieve If We All Leaned Into Our Strengths
Picture a community where everyone knows their unique talents and uses them during a crisis. When people lean into their natural abilities, their contributions are both powerful and meaningful. Someone with Responsibility® might be the one organizing relief supplies and making sure nobody is forgotten. A person with Empathy® could be that comforting presence for a neighbor who needs someone to listen. Adaptability® helps us stay grounded and flexible when everything feels uncertain, while Activator® will motivate others to take quick action, helping get things started. A Relator® could be key in connecting people with vital resources and building strong support networks that keep the community moving forward.
When we lean into our strengths, we’re not just rebuilding homes—we’re rebuilding a sense of purpose, resilience, and community. Across the Southeast, after Hurricane Milton and other recent storms, we’ve seen Achiever’s® tirelessly working to restore what was lost, Relators connecting those in need with critical resources, and people with Positivity® reminding everyone that brighter days are ahead. These strengths are what have gotten us through these challenging times, and they’re what will continue to carry us forward.
Your Strengths Are Needed
Recovery means more than just fixing what’s broken. It involves using what’s within us to create something even more meaningful. Each of us has a role to play, and now is the time to step up—while our community’s needs are most pressing. The work of rebuilding is happening now, and your strengths are needed more than ever. Here are three ways you can take action today:
Reflect on Your Strengths: Take some time to think about what you naturally do well and how that can help in times of crisis. Understanding your unique contributions is the first step to making a difference.
Find Your Role: There are so many ways to help—whether it’s organizing, comforting, rebuilding, or planning. Find the area that aligns with your strengths and jump in. Don’t wait—people need your skills today.
Take One Step Today: Whether it’s reaching out to a neighbor, volunteering your time, or organizing supplies, take one action today that leverages your strengths. Start small, but start now!
We can’t control the storms, but we can control how we respond. By leaning into our unique talents, we can rebuild—not just homes and streets, but the spirit that makes our community resilient and strong.
So, what role will you play? How can you bring your strengths to the forefront to support those around you? The time to act is now!