Snow Cave Survival

When my wife was growing up she needed to learn how to build a snow cave. (She grew up in Minnesota.) The kids in her grade school class were each given a can, a candle, a candy bar and matches. Of course, the can was for digging, the candle was for light and warmth, the candy bar was for food and the matches (well). Beyond that, you could use the can for holding snow and the candle for melting snow. You would then have water to drink. It's amazing what you can do with the simplest things in order to survive.

And I wonder if we haven't become too complicated. I mean, we need a Blackberry and an iPad and a Facebook page and a QR code reader, etc. Let me just cut to the chase. Do we? Do we really need so many things to function? This short post isn't meant to be a poo poo against the use of technology. Instead, it's a call to reflection especially for those of us who are struggling economically. You really can do a lot with a can, a candle, a candy bar and matches. (I'm speaking metaphorically.) What do you already have as resources? Maximize.

How to Survive Extreme Circumstances

I watched an extreme skiing video recently (see below). It helped me as I was thinking about extreme circumstances.

We've all experienced something that's pushed us to our limit and/or beyond. (Do you remember what it was for you? Are you dealing with something now?)

Sometimes we see extreme circumstances coming. Sometimes extreme circumstances just rise up and smack us in the face. (Ever have that happen?) The question is: How will we deal with them?

Many people don't deal with extreme circumstances well. (I know it's not you?) But there are those that do deal well with extreme circumstances.

Which gets me back to the video. There's no way this guy navigates that mountain (wait 'til you see it) except that he does a number of things both prior to and during the experience. We will survive our extreme circumstances, too, I'm convinced (no matter what they might be) if we follow his lead.

That said, here's...

How to Survive Extreme Circumstances (like the extreme skier):

1. Learn about/understand how others have handled similar circumstances.
2. Equip yourself with and employ the right equipment (at the right time).
3. Count on surprises.
4. Rely on things tried and true.
5. See it through to a safe landing.
6. Take care of yourself during normal circumstances (stay healthy/keep in shape).
7. Don't go it alone.