LA fires and lessons in prioritising what matters
- Ingrid Lotze
- Jan 10
- 3 min read
This week, Los Angeles had devastating wildfires that led to significant loss of life and property. One of the most insightful pieces I read was in Dr. Casey Means’ Newsletter ‘Good Energy.’ She described her experience in a piece titled “Belonging and belongings: what I packed in panic (LA fires)” and described the things she grabbed from the house in the seconds before fleeing.
In times of crisis, we are confronted with the stark reality of what truly matters and Dr. Casey Means’ reflection reveals this truth vividly. The belongings she grabbed in panic—family photos, journals, and handwritten letters—weren’t just physical items; they were symbols of connection, memories, and belonging.
Her choices, which did not include grabbing her wallet, passport, birth certificate, toothbrush, or clothes, echo our 7t-shirtseach philosophy of No Space For Just In Case that was born when we chose to live a nomadic life.
This philosophy isn’t theoretical for us. We intentionally chose to keep only what was necessary, but when even that was lost as our luggage failed to arrive in a foreign country, we faced a similar situation as Dr Means of having nothing but our backpacks and the clothes we were wearing. Scared and excited—scited, as we like to say—we faced the situation of having to rebuild from scratch and being stripped of material possessions, we discovered unexpected freedom. We found clarity in what really matters: health, human connection, and the ability to adapt.
Dr. Means’ experience highlights a vital distinction: belongings often represent belonging. Items she chose to keep — childhood photos, cards her late mother made and her journals —weren’t about utility but meaning. They symbolised connection, identity, and the stories that shape her life. Similarly, our experience of starting over emphasised that it’s not the things we carry that define us, but the connections and intentions we hold.
What science tells us about what matters
Research consistently shows that human well-being, both at home and at work, centres on intangible factors:
1. Connection: Social bonds are the bedrock of resilience and mental health. Studies by the Harvard Study of Adult Development reveal that strong relationships contribute more to happiness and longevity than wealth or career success.
2. Purpose: A sense of meaning is critical. Viktor Frankl’s work on finding purpose, even in dire circumstances, underscores this universal truth.
3. Health and adaptability: Physical and mental well-being are foundational. In times of stress, adaptability—the ability to pivot and rebuild—is often the key to survival.
4. Minimalism and intentionality: Neuroscience has found that clutter, both physical and mental, contributes to stress. Simplifying and focusing on essentials can enhance clarity and performance.
Living with by the philosophy of Carry less, live more and with that the approach of no space for just in case isn’t just about material possessions. It’s about mental and emotional clarity. When we shed the “just in case” mindset—hoarding items, worries, or unnecessary commitments—we create space for what truly matters. This philosophy is particularly resonant in times of upheaval, whether personal or professional.
Reframing the narrative
It’s tempting to hold tightly to possessions, routines, or roles, but by letting go and eliminating the non-essential benefits both our mental and physical health. As Dr. Means demonstrated, clarity often arises when we are forced to confront loss.
Imagine a life—or workplace—guided by the No Space For Just In Case philosophy, where values are clear, clutter is eliminated, and connection and purpose take centre stage, enabling teams and families to thrive in uncertainty.
As leaders and individuals, the challenge is to ask:
1. What would I grab in my moment of truth?
2. What do those choices say about me?
3. What truly matters to me and us?
4. How can I align my daily life with what truly matters?
5. What can I/we minimise to maximise what’s important?
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