On My Mind: January 14th
Lately, I’ve been feeling a bit heavy. The wildfires in LA have really been weighing on me. Natural disasters seem to be happening everywhere lately, but this one feels different. Maybe it’s because LA is so present in our lives—on social media, in movies, and in those little daydreams of living somewhere warm and beautiful. Watching people lose everything in a place that feels almost magical, a place many would consider “living the dream,” is heartbreaking.
It feels strange to feel so affected by something happening so far away from us. LA is thousands of miles from where I live, and yet, it still hits hard. Maybe it’s because seeing something so beautiful destroyed makes you realize how fragile things are. People say, “A home is just a home, and you can make one anywhere,” but that’s easier to say than to feel. It’s not just losing a house—it’s losing memories, dreams, and a life built over time.
And while I’ve been feeling this heaviness, I’ve also been feeling incredibly grateful. Yes, where we live is absolutely boring. We suffer through brutal winters, we don’t have an ocean or glamorous landmarks, and life can feel monotonous. But honestly, boring feels exactly like what I need right now. I want my home to feel safe and steady, even if it’s freezing and quiet.
I found myself imagining what it would be like to have to explain something like this to Harrison. It’s something I hadn’t really thought about before, but being prepared to talk to your kids about these kinds of situations seems so important. If you’re in a similar place or wondering how to explain this to your little ones, this article, How to Talk to Your Kids About the LA Wildfires, According to a Trauma Expert, offers some really helpful advice. It’s about keeping kids grounded, helping them feel safe, and making space for their emotions—things that feel especially important when the world feels uncertain.
Sending love to everyone affected by the wildfires. It’s heartbreaking, and it’s made me reflect a lot on what it really means to feel safe, secure, and at home.