Reflecting on the Journey: Support for Disaster Relief Workers After the LA Fires

As we continue to process the impact of the LA fires, it’s important to take time to look back and reflect on the journey so far. For disaster relief workers, this reflection can be especially challenging given the intensity and distress you have experienced. You might even feel that reflecting isn’t necessary or could be overwhelming. However, research from psychologists and medical professionals highlights the vital role that personal narratives play in helping individuals who have faced trauma or distressing events to find meaning and process their grief (Alves et al., 2018). Below, you’ll find prompts designed to guide and support your reflection on the past.

Constructing a Timeline 

1. Take a moment to reflect on the past few months. What moments stand out to you? They don’t have to be life changing. Maybe they’re still unfolding, or they seemed small at the time but continue to stay with you. Just write down whatever comes to mind.
2. After listing these events in chronological order, take a moment to reflect on one of them more deeply.
   • Try to remember the details of the event: who was there, when it happened, what caused it, and how it ended.
   • In that moment, how did you react: emotionally, mentally, or physically? What were you feeling, thinking, or sensing?
   • Looking back, how do you feel about the event today: What comes up for you emotionally, mentally, or physically as you remember it? Is this something you would share with others, and if not, what holds you back?
   • How do you make sense of this event? Have you found any personal, philosophical, or spiritual meaning in it?
   • Reflecting on this event, what insights have you gained: What did you learn about your own strengths or limitations, about other people, or about the community around you? Was there anyone or anything that helped you through it, and in what way?
3. Now, practice steps 1 and 2 by recalling 3 to 5 other events. These can be from any time in your life. Feel free to include events that happened during the LA fires or even further back.

Writing a Letter to Your Past Self

1. Write a letter to your past self about these experiences. Address your past self with “you.” Be as honest and open as you can, and don’t worry about spelling, grammar, or structure, just let your thoughts flow.
   • Tell your past self any relevant insights you now have about the struggle.
   • Offer forgiveness and compassion to your younger self.
   • Mention anything else you feel is important to promote healing and closure.
2. When you’re ready, consider sharing this letter with someone you trust. Opening up about your experiences can help deepen your relationships, and others might notice strengths and growth in you that you hadn’t seen yourself.

Reflecting on the past offers a chance to recognize the progress we’ve made, empowering us to keep moving forward through life’s challenges. It reminds us that even when times felt difficult or uncertain, we found ways to persevere and grow. Sometimes the smallest steps or quiet moments of resilience are the ones that carry us the furthest. Looking back also helps us appreciate how far we’ve come, even if the journey isn’t over yet. This awareness can inspire hope, patience, and compassion for ourselves as we continue facing whatever lies ahead.

Works referenced 

Alves, D., Neimeyer, R. A., Batista, J., & Gonçalves, M. M. (2018). Finding Meaning in Loss: A Narrative Constructivist Contribution (Chapter 8). In Clinical Handbook of Bereavement and Grief Reactions. Springer International Publishing.

Therapist Aid. (2023, July 19). Letter to my past self: Reflection exercise: Worksheet. https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-worksheet/letter-to-my-past-self