It’s been less than nine months since Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina, leaving behind a wake of damage and disruption.

I consider myself lucky—my daily life is mostly back to normal. Sure, I miss some things: favorite parks and greenways, beloved local spots like our indie movie theater and go-to restaurants.

Small losses, really. First-world problems.

What’s stayed with me more than anything, though, is the way people showed up for each other. Flags, politics, differences—they all faded. What remained was community. Generosity. The instinct to help.

Even now, months later, I still feel it. When someone asks how we’re doing here in Asheville, it catches me off guard. The kindness of strangers—on the phone, in passing—feels like a quiet lifeline.

And it’s reminded me of something I see often with my clients:

Resilience isn’t just about getting through. It’s about who we become in the process.

It’s about mindset. Adaptability. Support.

It’s about letting go of what doesn’t matter, and holding tight to what does.

If you’re going through something right now, please hear this:

You are stronger than you think. And you are not alone.

With heart,

Lisa