What to Do When Tragedy Strikes

Does it ever seem like there's one tragedy after another on the news?

War. Fire. Flood. Mass Murder.

I'm not one to watch the news. I find it to be full of doom and gloom and try to avoid it most days (except for the weather, I do love watching DFW Channel 8's Pete Delkus- such a passionate guy).

I'm not saying I wear rose-colored glasses and ignore all the yuck stuff happening in the world. I'm saying on a daily basis, I acknowledge the yuck-stuff and consciously choose to put my focus elsewhere (and that's typically on better-feeling stuff).

But not always...

When tragedy strikes, the kind that stops you in your tracks like the Pacific Palisades fires or TX Hill Country flooding, I do stop to pay attention and watch the news footage.

I watch long enough to honor those impacted, understand what happened and consider how a similar fate may be avoided in the future, because gleaning lessons learned from another's experience may prove life-saving.

At the same time, I always feel the urge to lend support, beyond a monetary donation or physical things.

So in this article, I'm going to share some outside-the-box ideas for what you can do to support those who have been impacted by a tragedy, because it's an inevitable part of life, for all of us.

What can you really do?

• Support someone you know: If you know someone directly impacted by a tragic event, reach out, send a meal, run their errands or drop off groceries. If you aren't able to see them physically, and let them know you're thinking of them/praying for them (whichever you believe).
  • They will inevitably be experiencing heavy days for the unforeseeable future, so even if they're too overwhelmed to reply or see you in person, trust that your vibes are being received and appreciated.
  • Then, follow through on your promise- think of them, pray, send good vibes. Sit in quiet with your eyes closed and imagine sending a warm embrace, bright light and love. If you believe the world is made of energy and we are all connected, then you'll believe in the power of sending good vibes, in any form.
• Support someone who knows someone: If you don't know someone directly impacted by the tragic event, reach out to someone who does.
  • Check on their friends and loved ones. Listen, let them talk. Verbal processing is a powerful part of working through and beyond a tragedy.
  • And just as you thought of, prayed and sent good vibes to those directly impacted, do the same for those indirectly impacted. Collective good-feeling energy is more powerful than any of us may realize. So, send good vibes to those impacted via an alternative channel of connection.
• Support someone, period: If you don't know anyone directly or indirectly impacted by the tragic event, how about simply being a good human?
  • Keep in mind, everyone is walking around trying to heal from some level of mental, emotional and/or physical trauma, heartache or anguish. Be it recent or in the past, we've all suffered a hardship (again, to some degree).
  • Be kind, be patient, be loving, be grateful. Be mindful of what you do and who you are, as you live your one, precious life.

Try this guidance to support anyone, friend or stranger, in any tragedy.

Sadly, if you personally experience a tragic situation, then you know how powerful receiving goodness can be. It's one of those "you don't know, until you know" situations.

When my Mom passed away March 2024, I received so much love and support from so many. Even though I felt too overwhelmed to respond to the enormous outpouring of text messages, voicemails and DMs, the messages I received held me up, when all I wanted to do was lie in sorrow.

So, don't wait until you directly learn how valuable receiving support can be before you decide to give support to others.

After you've done what you can do, what next?

Be sure to remember these people in your daily thoughts/prayers.

Continue to provide support and be a good human.

Then, pull up your bootstraps and get back to work.

Yes, that's right. The work YOU do, the work I do, keeps goodness circulating in the world.

If we all lie in sorrow, we deny others from receiving goodness they need to keep going.

Make sense?

So, honor those who have lost, then get back in the rhythm and flow of life/business and continue serving up your goodness, sharing your gifts and offering your support.

I'm signing off by saying what I always say, with assurance that I don't just say it, I really do it- As always, I'm sending GOOD VIBES!