A Season of Change and Reminders

When Tragedy Strikes: Finding Humanity in the Midst of Loss

There’s a certain tragedy in the way we often need a life-altering event to remind us to be kind to one another. It’s not that we don’t care on a daily basis, but it’s easy to get caught up in the routine—until something forces us to see life differently. For me, Hurricane Helene was that event. While my family wasn’t drastically impacted by the storm, its aftermath has been a heavy toll on my mental health.

I feel guilty because, while I’m fortunate to return to my normal life, many close by have lost everything—their homes, their communities, and even their loved ones. Some are now looking square in the face of another impending disaster in Hurricane Milton. Locally, the constant buzzing of helicopters overhead, running rescue missions or delivering supplies, has been a constant reminder of the destruction surrounding me. It’s a weight that has been hard to shake, a persistent reminder of how fragile life is. It’s left me wanting to do more for those in need but also feeling helpless in the face of such devastation.

When Helplessness Sets In

I think a lot of people can relate to that feeling—wanting to help but not knowing where to start. It’s overwhelming, especially when you feel the problems are too big to solve on your own. But even in those moments of helplessness, we can still make a difference. If nothing else, tragedy serves as a reminder to show up for one another in the simplest ways.

It might sound cliché, but little acts of kindness ripple outward. If you’re not sure what to do in turbulent times, just do your best. Be the best human you can be. Hold the door for someone, check in on a friend, or share a smile with a stranger. These are all small actions that can make a big impact, especially when someone is going through a tough time. You never know what battle someone else is fighting.

Real Meaning

One of the most difficult things for me lately has been grappling with how it shouldn’t take such great loss for people to remember to be kind to each other. We have it within us to be thoughtful, compassionate, and understanding every single day—but for some reason, it’s a life-altering event like this that shakes us into awareness. I wish it didn’t take so much devastation for us to realize that the real meaning of life is to live it fully, surrounded by those we love.

In times like these, I’ve been reminding myself that it’s the small, intentional steps we take each day that can help us live with more meaning. Reach out to loved ones just to say you’re thinking of them. Put your phone down and really be present in the moment, whether you’re enjoying a meal with family or taking a walk outside. Let go of the small irritations that steal your joy and refocus on what truly matters. Take 5 minutes at the start of your day and write down three things that brought you joy the day priior. Life is fleeting, and the moments we spend with the people we care about are irreplaceable.

Change and Empathy: Lessons in Tragedy

We’re now in the onset of autumn, a literal and figurative season of change. The storm has altered the landscape around us, and the upcoming elections loom large with their own consequences for our communities. But the biggest change has been in humanity itself. Helene’s devastation has brought loss in ways that are hard to comprehend, but it’s also reminded us of the importance of empathy.

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned in my life is to never assume you know what’s happening in someone’s life. Lead with empathy in your interactions. You might be facing your own hardships, but so is the person next to you. That doesn’t mean you let people walk all over you—stand up for yourself if someone wrongs you, of course—but approaching life with empathy can ease some of the tension in this chaotic world. Ironically, I learned this while going through very difficult times- a reminder that lessons can be learned through trials and tribulations.

Tragedy also brings up feelings of anger and resentment, and I can confirm I’ve felt both of these emotions over the past couple weeks. Moreover, watching helplessly as others lose everything while I was spared can creates a sense of guilt, confusion, and utter sadness . It’s been a struggle to maintain my composure and respond thoughtfully to everyone around me. I’m not going to pretend it’s easy, but I aim to do the right thing, even when it feels impossible. At the end of the day, that’s the goal—to make the best decisions with the information we have and the situation we’re in.

Be a Light Amidst the Darkness

This tragedy has also reminded me of my passion: helping others remember that no matter what they’re going through, they’re doing their best. It’s so important to create spaces where people can belong and feel supported, even during the darkest times. I intend to keep spreading positivity and building this community because it’s something we all need—especially when life gets hard.

If we’re ever going to rebuild, it starts with humanity. Whether you’re donating your time, your money, or just a little extra patience, it all matters. It’s good to have strong opinions, but there’s value in expressing them with respect. The world feels divided, and there’s so much pain, but we can approach even the hardest conversations with grace.

So, while the leaves start to change and we prepare for what’s ahead, let’s make sure we’re not waiting for the next tragedy to remind us to be kind. Let’s start today.

You’re Doing Great.

Samantha