Hope Beyond the Ashes
Never in my life have I seen anything like the recent wildfires here in California. It’s the most devastating natural disaster I’ve experienced in my 12 years of living in Los Angeles. Fires aren’t unusual here, but the speed, intensity, and destruction have left an indelible mark on the community.
When the evacuation zone crept closer to where I live, it all became very real. I was watching the news, doing coaching sessions as usual, when I suddenly realized we needed to prepare to leave. The smoke billowing in the sky and the embers glowing nearby made the decision clear—we packed up and evacuated. It’s a sobering experience to look around your home and decide quickly what truly matters. I found myself focusing on items with sentimental value; everything else felt replaceable.
Leaving was chaotic. Roads were packed, power outages caused confusion at major intersections, and the energy in the air was a mix of urgency and unease. Adding to the chaos, debris on the road punctured a tire. Who knew a twig could do damage like that?
In the days that followed, I began to witness the broader devastation on the news. My heart broke for those who lost their homes, cherished possessions, and sense of stability. Many of these neighborhoods hold personal memories for me—homes I’ve visited, venues I’ve spent time in, now reduced to ashes. Seeing familiar places consumed by flames was surreal and heartbreaking.
What stood out most to me was the incredible strength and unity of the community. In the recent aftermath, people are rallying around each other—offering support and shelter. It was inspiring to witness this collective resilience and to see how, even amid such loss, people found ways to connect and help.
This experience reinforced a lesson. Life is precious, and so are the people in it. The things we often cling to pale in comparison to the relationships and moments that truly matter. Gratitude has been my guiding light through this—recognizing what I have, even in challenging times, gives me strength and perspective.
As we rebuild anything in our lives—whether structures, hope, or meaning—let’s also remember to stay connected. Natural disasters remind us how fragile life can be, but they also show us the beauty of community and the power of coming together.
I am safe, and I’m deeply grateful for that. As I reflect on this journey, I encourage you to connect with those around you, even in quieter times. Rebuilding isn’t solely about recovering from loss—it’s about finding gratitude and meaning in what remains.