Gifts Worth Re-Visiting/LA Fires
The skies above Los Angeles are blue, again. The sunshine is pure and unfiltered. Recent showers scrubbed the air so we can leave our N95s at home. But in the wake of the January fires, we’re undeniably changed.
Thank you to all who reached out last month. Your messages were a true balm. Amid the chaos, fear and uncertainty, your texts, emails and calls brought real comfort. Thank you.
On Jan 8, the winds had been unceasing, shaking the carob and pine trees outside my kitchen window, sending needles and branches scattering. Ominous plumes poured overhead without pause. Living a few blocks from Griffith Park, an urban wilderness area and treasure, felt ominous.
Without power, internet and poor cell coverage, I conferred with friends and decided we didn’t want to wait for a formal evacuation. However, packing was a struggle. Beyond the basic necessities, how do you determine what’s irreplaceable?What can be left behind?
A stockpile of cherished greeting cards; a photo of my grandparents skating as young sweethearts; the hand-crafted rugs I carefully toted home from Central Asia. A painting made by my brother.
None were “essential." Their preciousness was tied to memories, the fingerprints of loved ones, the person I remembered myself to be when they entered my life. They were more than objects. They were gifts for what they sparked within me.
This realization had me reflecting on what we surrender in less urgent times. What experiences, relationships or other “gifts” are worth revisiting before the flow of life carries us forward?
An artistic or creative project
you poured time and energy into…
until another demand drew you away.
Does it deserve another visit?
A group that brought you joy and new relationships…
Then life got busy.
How might you re-engage?
A side gig you launched with great enthusiasm!
Then the tech got complicated.
What strategies did you leave untested?
What else could help?
A former role we exited. With it we lost touch with valued colleagues.
Who do you miss?
What might an email bring you?
A once close friendship.
A misunderstanding; a line crossed but never discussed.
Communication faded.
What did you share?
What did you treasure?
What would a text cost you?
Yes, there are organizations, people and experiences that we outgrow.
And the pace of modern life enables us to keep striding forward and looking for the next…dream project, role, inspiring friend.
But living courageously also means being clear on what we’re pivoting away from — and that requires an open-eyed review. Some gifts are worthy of another look.
On Jan 11, we returned home. Never have those words carried as much weight as they do today. I’ve learned that gratitude can be immeasurably deep.
I’ve also revisited overlooked gifts: Family and friends whose presence I’d missed; a creative project I’d shelved. Bought a bike I’m re-learning how to ride (for Mother Earth and for joy).
What gifts are worthy of revisiting in your life this year?
