The world's on fire: Extinguishing Los Angeles + Monday's inauguration on MLK Day
5 ways to help L.A. + 10 tactics to prepare for Trump
BeWell | The Midst beauty, style & wellness newsletter
The resilience of a city on fire
It’s been a little over a week since fires tore through parts of Los Angeles. While the air has started to clear in some neighborhoods, the fires aren’t fully contained, and evacuation orders remain in place for others. For many families, their lives are now divided into “pre-fire” and “post-fire.”
A morning that might have begun with the whir of a blender making a breakfast smoothie, kids getting ready for school, or a moment answering emails in pajamas, quickly turned into a day of evacuations, navigating gridlocked streets, and making frantic calls to friends, family, and hotels to seek shelter. This — all while guessing, “Did my home make it?”
Lives have completely upended, and the focus needs to be on meeting the immediate needs of families who have been impacted.
Almost as soon as the fires began, much of the discourse online turned to accountability and systemic causes. These discussions are absolutely necessary for long-term solutions and they shape the future. But being in L.A., and what I’ve seen and heard directly from friends and those impacted is that the present is what they are focused on.
People are asking the basic questions that I hope none of us will ever have to answer: Where will my family sleep tonight? How can I keep my kids safe and calm? How will I earn an income ever great enough to survive and rebuild my life? These aren’t ideological questions and discussion points; they are raw and immediate realities.
Politics and accountability absolutely matter, but they shouldn’t overshadow the urgent need for recovery and relief. Right now, people need shelter, food, emotional support, and resources to start piecing their lives back together. These are the priorities that demand our collective focus.
How you can help
The fires have left thousands of families displaced, destroyed homes, and also could likely cause lingering health challenges from prolonged exposure to smoke and ash. Donation centers are receiving an abundance of support — a beautiful reflection of the city’s spirit and why I love it so much.
First responders and local organizations have been incredible, stepping up in unimaginable ways. Strangers have come together to support one another, sharing resources and offering comfort. It’s a reminder of the resilience and compassion that are at the heart of this city, standing out like a bright light in the darkness.
If you’re looking to make a difference, here are five ways you can help right now:
1. Volunteer locally
Many relief centers across L.A. need volunteers to sort and distribute supplies. Even just a few hours of your time can have a direct impact on families in need.
2. Donate financially
Teachers and families affected by the fires are carrying emotional and financial burdens that no one should have to bear alone. Your contributions to these trusted GoFundMe campaigns can provide critical aid and help rebuild lives.
3. Brands donating goods to those affected
Many generous brands have stepped up to provide their goods and services to ease the burden on those directly impacted. If you are a brand or know of one that’s willing to donate, please reach out to the organizer to be included in this resource.
4. Hotel availability
Housing is a basic need we all deserve. Please use and distribute this list far and wide so more people can get the immediate housing they need.
5. Help animals and their humans
While many were forced to flee with their pets, many of L.A.’s wildlife have been displaced. You can donate funds to provide critical supplies like food, medical care, and shelter — or even adopt an animal in need of a home.
Moving forward
As Los Angeles starts to recover, the road ahead is daunting and uncertain. Recovery isn’t just about rebuilding homes; it’s about helping people restore stability and hope again.
The fires have left a lasting scar on this city. As time passes on, the mark may fade away, but it will never go away — the memory of what was will always remain. Yet, in the midst of this tragedy, the strength of collective action has been revealed:
It’s through the efforts of us as individuals, coming together with compassion, that can help thousands of people get back on their feet. By focusing on immediate relief and continuing to support recovery efforts, we can help those affected move forward — not just to survive — but to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
10 feminist ways to empower yourself on Inauguration Day
Today is Women’s March 2025 and tomorrow, well, tomorrow marks a day layered with irony and urgency: the inauguration of Trump as the 47th President of the U.S. and the federal observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. While King’s legacy champions equality, justice, and inclusion, Trump’s rhetoric and policies often stir division, particularly against women and marginalized groups.
For many of us Midst GALs, this juxtaposition underscores the need for resistance and resilience. As tomorrow sets the stage for the next four years, here’s how to stay grounded, informed, and empowered to rise against challenges — while honoring the fight for equality that MLK stood for.
1. Ground yourself in facts
Trump’s rhetoric, often noted as fascist, is notorious for exaggeration. Use trusted sources like the Associated Press, the BBC, and NPR to cut through the noise. (See this list of the Top 40 Unbiased News Websites in 2025 for more examples.) Knowledge is power.
2. Rediscover feminist classics
Trump’s scorecard is rich with inflammatory remarks about women. Nasty women, cuddle your cats and revisit works like Audre Lorde’s The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House or Roxane Gay’s Bad Feminist for inspiration and perspective.
3. Invest in women-led causes
Trump’s policies could sideline women’s rights, especially our reproductive freedoms. Support groups like Planned Parenthood, She Should Run, and the Feminist Majority Foundation. UN Women outlines how investing in gender equity boosts economic and social outcomes.
4. Build resilience through community
Research proves what we women already know: strong networks reduce stress. Start a book club, host virtual meetups, or reconnect with supportive friends. (The Midst will host IRL meet-ups soon — stay tuned for more info!) Community is your shield.
5. Take local action
As mentioned, your local community matters —and small actions matter, too. Contact elected officials and volunteer for local organizations that you believe in. Your energy and voice counts.
6. Amplify women’s voices
“Grab them by the pussy. You can do anything.” Brace yourself for more dangerous and inflammatory remarks from our country’s leader about women. Combat previous and future remarks by using your socials to share stories of female empowerment, elevate women leaders, vocalize what’s wrong — and help control the narrative.
7. Prioritize self-care
Burnout weakens resistance — but research proves that self-care can improve it. As Audre Lorde said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation.” Recharge with activities that fuel you.
8. Support women-owned businesses
Direct your spending towards women-owned enterprises. The U.S. Small Business Administration provides resources to identify and support these businesses — or to start your own. Your economic choices can drive change.
9. Mentor the next generation
Share your experiences and guidance with young women. Organizations like Girls Inc., Strong Women, Strong Girls (SWSG), and more emphasize that mentorship significantly increases the likelihood of women holding leadership positions.
10. Engage in political advocacy
Advocate for policies that protect women’s rights. Resources like the UN Women’s guide on becoming a women’s rights advocate offer practical steps to get involved. Your activism can influence change.
The truth is, we women have faced tougher battles — we got this. Stay informed, connected, and unapologetically feminist. When you rise, everyone rises with you.
How do you plan to navigate tomorrow and on?
Thank you for reading, GALs (grown-ass women)!
Xx, Lauria, Head of Content at The Midst
The Midst is a woman-owned business on a mission to empower women 35+.