As I sit down to begin another draft of this newsletter, I find myself at a loss for words. So many of us entered this year filled with optimism, with hopes that it would be a fresh start. But just seven days in, we were already confronted with a tragedy that has shattered our sense of security.
As Californians, we’re no stranger to natural disasters—fires, earthquakes, floods, and high winds have long been part of life here. But the recent fires in LA County have left us shaken in unimaginable ways, forcing us all to confront a brutal truth: nothing is invincible. Not even the places we call home.
What was originally meant to be a gentle newsletter about easing into the new year and allowing ourselves the grace to figure things out, quickly morphed into something far more urgent. For many, survival has become the only option—no longer leaving room to simply easing in. Even for those not directly caught in the path of the fires, the vicarious trauma we feel—and the empathy we extend—forces us to confront a difficult question: What would we do if we were in their shoes? But even more pressing: What can we do now to help?
RESOURCES + DONATION SITES
LA County Fire Resources via Fire Aid
Pro Bono Therapy Services
LA County Emergency Shelter List
Charity Navigator - Donation Sites
Wildfire Relief Fund by GoFundMe
For those affected by the Los Angeles County fires, we are with you.
As you find your way back into a space of physical and emotional safety, it’s crucial to acknowledge the profound psychological toll of such a traumatic event and offer yourself compassion. When you’re ready, here are some therapeutic tips to help the healing process:
1. Acknowledge the Trauma
Validate your feelings—shock, fear, sadness, and anger are normal responses to trauma. Allow yourself to grieve losses, whether they’re homes, belongings, people or pets. Grief extends beyond human relationships. Allowing yourself to mourn any loss is essential to healing.
2. Practice Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself. Healing takes time, and your emotional reactions are natural. Release yourself from blame. You are not responsible for natural disasters or forces beyond your control. It's essential to let go of any misplaced guilt.
3. Create Stability and Routines
Re-establish a sense normalcy by creating small routines, like regular meals, walks, or rest. Focus on small, manageable tasks to regain a sense of control amidst the chaos.
4. Hierarchy of Needs
Ensure that basic needs like shelter, food, water, and medical care are met. When we feel safe and secure in basic needs, it’s easier to begin healing emotionally. If possible, create a small “safe space” or place of comfort, even if it’s just a chair with a blanket or a quiet corner. Physical anchors can help with emotional grounding.
5. Lean on Social Supports
While some may not understand your experience, you don’t have to experience it alone. Lean on friends, family, or community support to provide space to express your emotions and be comforted in times of distress. Creative outlets like drawing, writing, or music can also help express emotions that might be difficult to articulate.
6. Seek Professional Help
Recovery from trauma doesn’t have a set timeline. Some people may begin feeling better in weeks or months, while others may take years to heal. If you experience symptoms like flashbacks, anxiety, nightmares, or other unwanted reactions, a variety of trauma-based therapy options can help you gradually process your experience and begin your journey to recovery.
↳ Little Glimmers✨
Glimmers are those tiny, seemingly insignificant moments when you feel a sense of joy, pleasure, peace, and gratitude. In opposition of triggers, we highlight our glimmers to signal our bodies that we are safe and at ease.
Here are my Little Glimmers for the week, I’d love to hear yours in the comments!
» The most inspiring part of recent events has been witnessing communities come together to support one another. Living over 80 miles away from the fires, I've felt a deep sense of guilt, watching a place that has given me so much peace and so many memories be torn apart. But it’s also been a powerful reminder that we can all make a difference, no matter where we are in the world.
To support the survivors, proceeds from Get Well with Gaddy paid subscriptions were donated to WalkGood LA, helping provide gift cards for food, clothing, and other basic essentials to those in need. Every act of kindness counts.
↳ Self-Care Bookshelf
I recently completed my first book of 2025, The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. This beautifully written, fictional escape follows the many lives of Nora Seed, who, after reaching the brink of despair, finds herself in a library between life and death. Each book offers a glimpse into a different life she could have lived, sparking reflections on choices and regrets. While the novel is ultimately hopeful, it dives into themes of suicide and self-harm, which may be triggering for some readers. It’s a poignant reminder of the power of second chances, self-compassion, and the possibility of healing, but should be approached with care due to its sensitive topics.
Want to join me? Grab your copy here: AMAZON - The Midnight Library
↳ Self-Care Faves
» What started as a coveted White Elephant gift at “Friendsgivingmas” turned into a self-care favorite. After the Snuggle Sac blanket was stolen from me in the final round, I ultimately bought one for myself—and I’ve loved it ever since. It’s incredibly soft, warm, and perfect for cozy nights in. I’ve already gifted two, so I highly recommend it!
» Cooking has become a big part of my self-care lately, and it’s been a joy preparing meals for friends and loved ones over the holidays. I’ve been eager to get my hands on a Dutch oven, and this one from Amazon has far exceeded my expectations in quality, value, durability, and ease of cleanup. It’s a good sign when cookware actually makes you excited to cook!
» IN SEARCH OF your self-care faves!
Every year, I challenge myself with a lofty goal to push my mental and physical limits—and this time, I’ve (perhaps impulsively) signed up for a full marathon. With a four-mile run as my personal best, this is quite a huge leap that both excites and terrifies me.
I’d love your recommendations for running gear (shoes, waist bags, backpacks, vests, etc.), clothing (leggings, shorts, compression wear, anti-chafing gear, socks, etc.), and energy supplements (gels, tablets, etc.) to help me power from training to the finish line!
↳ Resources
Ready to start your wellness journey or transitioning to a new provider?
Check out these therapy directories below:
Therapy for Black Girls
Psychology Today
OpenPath Collective
Headway
Talkspace
That’s it for this week! If you have any specific topics or questions you would like addressed in a future issue, please drop a comment or send a message. I’d love to know what you need to get well.
xo, Gaddy.