The Great Pause

Life sometimes forces us to stop. It might be divorce, bankruptcy, betrayal, or a devastating natural disaster—moments that bring everything to a sudden halt, followed by a prolonged silence before we begin living again. During this pause, we're granted the rare opportunity to reflect deeply on who we were before calamity struck and who we aspire to become after.

My family experienced this firsthand after a horrendous car accident. In that enforced stillness that followed, we discovered a profound truth: nothing mattered more than life itself, being together, and loving one another. The pause stripped away life's complexities, leaving only what was essential.

Now, Los Angeles finds itself in a collective pause. My heart goes out to every Angeleno who has lost their home, their things, or even worst, a loved one. My hope is that we use this time to reveal our true character—a vibrant, diverse city whose residents genuinely care for one another. As we rebuild, we must prioritize genuine inclusivity, breaking down the invisible barriers that have historically segregated our neighborhoods. The Pacific Palisades need not remain an enclave of wealth and privilege.

This pause offers us a chance to reconsider how we live: perhaps we can learn to drive more mindfully on our freeways, treating fellow travelers with greater courtesy. More importantly, it presents an opportunity for political reconciliation, where Republicans and Democrats might find common ground and demonstrate to our children that adults can disagree respectfully and still work together for the common good.

The Great Pause isn't just an ending—it's an invitation to begin anew, with greater wisdom and purpose. Through these moments of stillness, we can discover not just who we are, but who we might become.