“As a helper, as a as a compassionate individual, you can get compassion fatigue, physical fatigue, and emotional fatigue because it is devastating.”
Nature’s fury can teach us some of the most valuable lessons. The one constant challenge Donald Forgione faced during his career leading Florida State Parks was mother nature herself.
Particularly hurricanes. During his tenure, he was proud to lead through countless storms, understanding the unimaginable impact on our parks, park rangers, and our visitors. There was a well-structured protocol to evacuate, secure, and then rebuild. But there’s always that lingering doubt around getting through it;
Will there be enough resources? Will our team be safe? Will the parks ever be the same?
Each natural disaster tests our resilience, from the winds to the surging waters. But you know what? Each time, our dedicated team found a way to not only recover but come back stronger.
For instance, the aftermath of a hurricane would leave us scrambling. Prioritizing, organizing strike teams, and repositioning equipment was a colossal task. Yet, the unity and commitment among the park professionals were unwavering.
To those who may be faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, whether in parks, life, or career, take this lesson from our experiences: keep planning, keep pushing, and most importantly, keep supporting each other.
Today, even in Donald’s retirement and consulting phase, those challenging times remind me of one truth: resilience is built through the storm.
To all park leaders out there dealing with their own ‘hurricanes,’ know that there are people and resources ready to help. Together, we can navigate through any storm and come out on the other side even better than before.
Resources
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