Hey there, it’s Alex,
It has been heartbreaking to witness people’s homes and businesses reduced to ashes this past week in Los Angeles. There’s an indescribable grief lingering in the air. The city’s energy feels shifted; fear and sadness are carried on the wind.
In times of despair, we must find ways to meet the darkness with light—whether through laughter or by finding the silver linings. Without some glimmer of hope, the weight of pain can be unbearable.
Perhaps that’s why so many in LA have stepped up. This week has shown the remarkable capacity for kindness in humanity. When we collectively experience pain, we often feel a deep urge to help, to serve.
While it’s been overwhelming to witness the destruction caused by these fires, it has also been inspiring to see people come together to offer comfort and support to those in need. Out of such devastating loss, the strength of community shines brightly.
“The worst is not so long as we can say, ‘This is the worst.’”- William Shakespeare
We never know what tomorrow will bring. The recent fires are a stark reminder of this—one day, you might open your restaurant, and the next, it could be burning. There could be an earthquake, or a two-week quarantine that unexpectedly stretches into two years.
Life is truly unpredictable, and running a business only magnifies that uncertainty, especially when you feel responsible for your team. It’s terrifying not knowing the right decisions to make when crises unfold in real time.
You never have all the answers, but sometimes, simply showing up and being present is all you can do in difficult situations.
Picture of Hot Tongue last Wednesday