The Root of Resilience
Rising Strong after the Fire
HELLO BEAUTIES!
It has taken me some time to find my words to write you a note here that feels authentic as this year began with devasting fires in my very own background of Topanga and Malibu as many of you have seen in TV.! It was unimaginable to see my childhood memories of buildings on PCH burned away to nothing but burnt piles of rubbish and charred metal. It’s unrecognizable. It’s heartbreaking. Many friends lot their homes and we had family who had to evacuate. Luckily our family is safe with no home damage and our charming place by the beach in Santa Monica was also unharmed as the smoke and ash began to blow through the windows of our apartment. Thank you for all the reach out to me on social media to check in and for the few that sent me an email as well -we are safe. we are grateful. we are back in Puerto Rico now. we are resilient. A wild and unimaginable way to start the year…..and in Chinese horoscope this is the year of the SNAKE -the year of massive shedding, transformation, empowerment and primal ancient serpent goddess vibes!! A year designed to align us with our destiny at a deep primal and spiritual level.
Mother Nature made her entrance loud and clear. I am listening.
This is where I am starting and what I want to share today.
Rebuilding to rise strong is akin to a tree that has been battered by a brush fire. When the fire burns, the ash remains until the winds and rains pass through. A tree may have lost some branches or even its leaves, but its roots remain deeply anchored in the ground.
𖣘 The fires of adversities….
In life, I have faced many fires of adversity that tested my resilience and strength.
These challenges—whether personal, professional, or communal—felt overwhelming, like dark clouds gathering on the horizon. Each fire brought its own trials—loss, failure, and uncertainty—that left me feeling battered and worn. It was easy to become disheartened, to question my ability to weather the tempest when the fire of change seemed relentless. I often grappled with self-doubt and fear, wondering if I had the fortitude to rise above the turmoil.
Adversity took many forms: the loss of a loved one that left an aching void, a job loss that shook my sense of stability, or a community crisis that tested our unity and resolve. Some small, and now some even in the unimaginable. The emotional toll was profound, leading to feelings of hopelessness and despair for so many people around me. In these moments, it was easy to feel caught in a never-ending cycle of struggle, glued to the gossip or TV and questioning whether relief would ever come.
Societal pressures often intensify feelings of fear or inadequacy during these trying times. This is why having a meditation practice and mindful rituals are fundamental to your mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. It’s not just a fas or a “nice to have when I have time”. It’s the OXYGEN mask we all need so that we are prepared for times that are Unthinkable. So we don’t drown in the chaos and get sucked into the abyss of it all. In the end it will always pass - its how nature works and doesn’t mean she wont leave you feeling damaged or battered by her path. We just don’t make it define us.
It’s not our scars but our strengths that define us.
Yet, like a tree that withstood the storm, I too found strength in my roots.
𖣘 The root of resilience…
Over time, just as a tree with deep roots withstands fierce storm, I discovered that my own roots of resilience were forged in the very fires I faced. As my deep roots anchored firmly during the fiercest storm, I began to grow new shoots—stronger and more resilient than before. These deep roots represented foundational experiences and support systems.
Each new leaf is a testament to its ability to adapt and thrive despite the challenges it faced.
At its core, resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to challenges, and grow stronger through adversity. It is essential to understand that resilience isn’t a fixed trait; it can be cultivated and nurtured over time. Just as a tree requires sunlight, water, and nutrients to thrive, my resilience flourished through a supportive environment, self-care—exercise, journaling, or spending time in nature—and a positive mindset.
The roots of resilience are formed in the face of adversity—life experiences that include overcoming obstacles, learning from failures, and cultivating relationships. Each challenge I faced contributed to my resilience, teaching me valuable lessons about perseverance, empathy, and the importance of community. In times of difficulty, I leaned on to my support systems—friends, family, and mentors—who provided encouragement and understanding, helping me navigate the turbulent waters of life.
Additionally, self-awareness and reflection play significant roles in developing resilience. By recognizing my strengths and weaknesses, I was able to equip myself to handle stress and adversity. Practicing mindfulness, gratitude, and self-compassion enhanced my emotional well-being, allowing me to approach challenges with a more balanced perspective. Just as a tree bends with the wind but doesn’t break, I have learned to be flexible and adaptable in the face of life's uncertainties.
Think about this — What if the fires you are facing are not just obstacles but opportunities to uncover your true strength? —
After the fire passes, it is not the absence of the branches that defines us, but the strength we find to rise again, rooted in resilience and hope.
Rising up strong is a journey, not a destination. It requires patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to embrace the growth that comes from adversity. As we step into the light after the fires, slowly, we carry with us the knowledge that we are capable of overcoming life’s challenges with more love in our heart.
Together, let’s commit to not only surviving but thriving, transforming our experiences into sources of strength and inspiration for ourselves and those around us. In doing so, we become beacons of hope, showing others that no matter how fierce the storm, we can always rise again, stronger than before.