Dear Reader,
The last week has been one of unimaginable loss for Los Angeles, primarily due to the Palisades, Hurst, and Eaton fires. Thousands of homes and businesses have been destroyed, with families displaced and 24 deaths recorded so far as people tried to save their homes.
As a born and raised Angeleno and current LA resident, it’s been numbing to experience this rollercoaster of stress, urgency, uncertainty, and community loss as the fires continue to burn. It’s not easy to see your city affected by forces of nature we cannot control and to witness so many people impacted.
When a catastrophic event like this occurs, it affects not just those directly impacted but creates a ripple effect throughout the entire city. Schools shut down, parents face uncertainty, and businesses experience slow weeks – the entire economy feels the impact. Nevertheless, it’s heartwarming to see the outpouring of donations and volunteers wanting to help fellow Angelenos affected by this horrible tragedy.
In times of crisis, our nervous system typically goes into fight, flight, or freeze mode. As I navigate these recent events, I’ve come to understand that my response is usually to freeze – and if that’s you too, that’s okay! Give yourself grace, time, and space to process and regulate your nervous system.
Once we’ve processed these emotions, as entrepreneurs and business owners it’s important to remember to use our leadership skills to take care of our community. Here are some ways to cultivate the leader within us during times of crisis:
Leadership in Times of Crisis
- Stay calm. Find ways to regulate your nervous system through yoga, meditation, or exercise. These activities help maintain calmness and groundedness, allowing for clearer thinking and better decision-making.
- Cultivate a shared vision. Inspire those you’re leading toward a common goal. Giving people hope and a vision of success helps them work together and feel energized by community spirit.
- Communicate effectively, choosing language that inspires and motivates without fostering panic or uncertainty.
- Remember that crises don’t last forever. This mindset grounds us in what we can control and reminds us that we will get through this difficult period.
While scary, moments of crisis are inevitable in life. The more prepared we are to handle these situations, the better we can nurture our inner leader and support our people and communities.
To donate, support, volunteer, or stay informed about the situation in LA, please visit:
- LACITY.GOV
- recovery.lacounty.gov
Additionally, Mija Books, an LA-based business, has compiled a comprehensive list of resources where you can provide support both locally and from afar. Follow them here and check out their post for more information. View the list of comprehensive resources they have compiled here.
In light of the fires, the Take Action with Intention Workshop is postponed until further notice.
Together, we can help our beloved Los Angeles heal and rebuild, showing once again the incredible strength and resilience that makes our city so special.
Bea
