A spark of strength

It’s been week

I live in Southern California, and this past week has been consumed by the nearby fires ravaging some of the most beautiful and iconic parts of our state. The images and videos of homes reduced to ashes haunt me. I can’t stop thinking about the people impacted. My heart goes out to them.

We live in a high fire risk area, too, which got me thinking: If we had to evacuate right now, what would I take with me? My mind immediately went to a list—more than ten things, blending practicality, value, and sentiment.

But I was curious about my kids’ perspective, so I asked them at dinner:
“If we had to leave our home and you could only take a backpack of things with you, what would you take?”

Their answers? “Mochi (our pup) and my iPad.”

I smiled.

It was a reminder of how kids focus on the small things that bring them comfort. But it also made me think about the deeper reality for so many others. For those who’ve lost their homes, it’s not just about things. It’s about memories, safety, and the life those walls held. That kind of loss is profound—and it can’t be simplified.

The heart of resilience

That conversation stuck with me. Kids have a way of keeping life simple. They don’t dwell on what’s been lost or what might happen next. They focus on what feels safe and comforting in the moment.

It reminded me of resilience. Resilience isn’t about pretending everything’s fine or bouncing back overnight. It’s about holding onto what matters most when life feels uncertain and finding the strength to move forward, even if it’s just one step at a time.

My own list of “must-takes” wasn’t really about survival—it was about feeling secure. And the truth is, most of the stuff on that list is replaceable. What isn’t replaceable is the ability to carry on and rebuild when the unthinkable happens.

Rethinking what it means to thrive

Lately, I’ve been thinking about what it really means to thrive.

A couple of weeks ago, my definition might have been packed with ideas of perfection: excellent health, a great job, happy kids, time for hobbies, and everything running smoothly.

But this week changed my perspective. Thriving isn’t about perfection. It’s about resilience.

I looked it up. Merriam-Webster defines thriving as:

Thriving isn’t about having it all together. It’s about finding the strength to move forward, even when things fall apart.

I saw a video this week of a 91-year-old man who lost his home in the Palisades fire. At first, he teared up. Then he said, “I’m tough. I’ll start over again.”

At 91, starting over might seem unimaginable. But that attitude is the essence of resilience. It’s what has carried him this far, and it will carry him further.

Watch on TikTok

The resilient path

This week, I’ve been inspired by the gratitude and hope I’ve seen: people thanking firefighters, neighbors supporting one another, and communities coming together in meaningful ways.

Some losses are beyond words. Losing a home is more than losing a building—it’s losing memories, safety, and a sense of normalcy. I don’t want to minimize how heavy that is.

But resilience doesn’t mean you have to be okay right away. It means finding the strength to keep going, even when it feels impossible.

If nothing else, I hope this serves as a reminder to hold close the things that truly matter: your family, your health, and the courage to keep moving forward.

Sending love to any of you who have been directly or indirectly impacted by the Los Angeles fires.