In the wake of a disastrous flood, Sara Cress has finally managed to rebuild her home. She’s hoping O life coach Martha Beck can help her recover her spirit.
FOR HOUSTON RESIDENT Sara Cress, August 27, 2017, was a living nightmare. She woke to the sound of rain; within an hour, the floodwaters of Hurricane Harvey had destroyed the home she and her husband owned, and most of their possessions were three feet underwater. Insurance allowed the couple to rebuild, which took nearly a year; however, Sara’s still dealing with the disaster’s psychic damage. “I’m agitated and depressed,” says the 41-year-old. “I’ve been eating and drinking too much, and I’m so easily overwhelmed.” She’s lost her creative spark, too: “I’m a poet, but I’m having a hard time writing about this experience. It seems like nothing matters because everything could be taken away again.” Fortunately, life coach Martha Beck is coming to the rescue. Let’s listen to their first session.
Martha Beck: Sara, how are you?
Sara Cress: Excited—but on edge. A storm’s coming this weekend, even though it’s not the usual season.
MB: Tell me how that’s affecting you.
SC: It’s hard to sleep because the rains often come overnight. When our house flooded, we woke up at 5 a.m., and the water was starting to come in. I think that’s part of my insomnia. I have to stay awake to make sure we’re safe.
MB: The rain is triggering your trauma the way a backfiring car might trigger a soldier who’s been traumatized by war. Are you having flashbacks?
SC: Yeah, I’ll be going about my day and suddenly see the water coming into the house. Or I’ll think about some random thing I lost, like a suitcase, and picture it floating.
MB: When that happens, do you grieve or push the thought away?
SC: Part of me thinks, What’s the point of dwelling? I’m still mourning the mementos, though—letters from my grandmothers, my high school yearbooks.
This story is from the April 2019 edition of The Oprah Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2019 edition of The Oprah Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Perfect Gift Book for Everyone on Your List
Sumptuous reads that look as lovely on your coffee table as they do on your bedside table.
Long Live YOU!
A head-to-toe guide to staying strong, sharp, healthy, and happy well into your platinum years.
How to Manage Holiday Stress
Want to avoid family drama this year? Here are three ways to pregame.
How Makeup Artists Do the Holidays
Time to put your party face on! These glam pros are sharing a look they love—and modeling it themselves.
On Everyone's Lips
Carol Rasheed, the head makeup artist on The Color Purple, gives us a peek behind the scenes-and, thanks to her new lipstick collection, a memento.
THE MOTHER-IN-LAW Survival Guide
Ding-dong, she's here! But fear not-so are we, with advice on managing this singular relationship with grace, humor, and lots of heart.
The Enduring Power The Color Purple
It has captivated audiences as a novel, a movie, and a Broadway musical. On the eve of its latest incarnation, a sweeping musical feature film out on Christmas Day, we celebrate Alice Walker's universal saga of resilience and redemption with behind-the-scenes stories from the new book Purple Rising.
Who (or What) Do You Need to Thank?
Gratitude isn't just a topic for your annual turkey dinner. It's been scientifically shown to improve your health eating depression, boosting immunity, and lowering stress. These thank-you notes (plus an ode to a heartbreakingly loyal pup) will inspire you to make it a daily practice.
Beam Me Up
Bethany Heitman's self-esteem was tied to her clear skin, so dark spots sent her spiraling. Then she saw the light.
Turn Around, Bright Eyes
After years of despising the puffy bags under her eyes, Rae Ann Herman found a surgeon she trusted and woke up refreshed in every way.