Greetings from L.A.
I am one of the lucky ones.
Last week, when the LA fires were at their peak—the scariest point—I found myself in my bathtub with my gratitude list. My kids and I live about five miles from the Palisades, where the first fires broke out last Tuesday. I had a small bag packed in case we had to evacuate, and I was glued to the horrific news. It was a balancing act of “be prepared, Lisa, but don’t fall into fear and anxiety.” So, I took a bath. I am one of the lucky ones who could do that.
I had to (attempt to) stay calm while explaining to my kids what was happening. During this time, we were blessed to have a house guest—a 12-year-old friend of my daughter’s from school, who grew up in the Palisades. Her parents hurriedly dropped her off at our house when they heard their community was burning down. They wanted her to have a safe place to stay while they tried to save their house and move their family to temporary housing. I am one of the lucky ones who could do that.
I created a safe haven in our home for the kids—working on a puzzle, cooking, dancing, playing, watching movies, and resting. I didn’t know what else to do, and there wasn’t much else I could do. I watched, waited, and prayed for those who were losing everything. I am one of the lucky ones who could do that.
It’s been over a week since the fires began, and while the immediate threat to my area seems to have subsided, it hasn’t for many. My nervous system is starting to relax, but I’ve been crying and struggling to sleep (to say the least), even though I am exhausted. I’ve started pulling out all my tools—allowing myself to feel the sadness and anger. Moving my body to music feels good. I’m listening to EMDR music through my AirPods. I am meditating. I’m connecting with friends. I’m attending free online healing events for LA. I am one of the lucky ones who can do that.
Anything I can do right now to take care of my nervous system and my energy, I am doing. It’s small things and baby steps because everything is still very intense. It’s not over, and we haven’t even begun the real work. And the reason I’m choosing to take care of myself right now is because our city will need us. Our communities will need those of us who can still hold the love and light. I am one of the lucky ones who can do that.