Community and Connection

We are two weeks into the new year and my heart is holding so many emotions, my brain so many thoughts. It's hard to keep up with myself at times like this.

What started out as a calm and peaceful new year, was quickly (and literally) demolished by the wildfires in LA. The amount of people who have lost everything is unfathomable and it's so hard to be close enough to feel such empathy but just far enough to feel helpless heartache.

The one thing that has been incredibly beautiful and magical to watch, is how the community and so many more are coming together. Political divisions don't exist right now. Race, religion, social status... none of it matters when tragedy strikes. We are all human; we are all one. I don't know why it takes such gut-wrenching tragedies to realize this and bring people together, but it doesn't matter. All that matters is that it has given so many of us faith in humanity.

I am reminded of my sister losing everything in a fire, almost a decade ago. The support from others was so encouraging. I look back on that time and am reminded of so many good friends and even family that we don't keep in touch with enough. Life gets busy and goes by SO fast, it gets harder and harder to stay on top of a social circle. But it's important to let people know that you're there and that you care. While these are monumental things that many people are doing to help others, there are so many little things that can be done every single day. Smiling at a stranger, letting someone in front of you, paying it forward in line somewhere, holding the door open, complimenting a stranger, acknowledging hardships and offering support to someone. The smallest things can make such a huge difference.

When someone is going through devastation such as these fires, it's important to remember those little things also. You don't need to tell people that everything will be ok or that it could be worse or point out the positives. You just need to be there to connect. Let people feel safe enough to feel whatever they feel. We all bleed the same. We all feel pain, sorrow, insecurity, uncertainty, heartbreak, etc. No one is exempt from feeling these things. So remember that and be kind. Show some empathy. You will receive the same when you inevitably experience your own pain. If there is one thing that I can offer to this world, it is a compassionate heart and a genuine desire to help others. If you need a hand to hold, an ear to listen, or just someone to lean on while you catch your balance, I'm here. I may have a numb hand to hold, cry when I listen to you, or fall over when you lean on me (because my balance sucks), but I'll be here.

Thank you for being here for me too. It means everything. XOXO