From Crisis to Resilience:

Finding Strength and Purpose After the Storm

Last Friday, I awoke to an eerie silence in my community. Somehow, I had slept through the hurricane the night before, knowing we’d face high winds but completely unprepared for the devastation that awaited us. Just the day before, I attended the Land to Market event in Asheville, a powerful conference bringing together leaders in the regenerative farming movement. As we discussed reshaping food systems and supporting environmental health, the rain poured steadily. Little did we know, we were on the edge of a natural disaster that would reshape our community.

The hurricane that swept through Asheville, NC and the surrounding mountain towns has claimed over 100 lives (with many people still missing), destroyed thousands of businesses, and caused billions in infrastructure damage and economic loss. Most of us didn’t have flood insurance—why would we? Asheville was recently named one of safest cities in America. The devastation came from high winds, fallen trees, and burst dams, causing rivers and watersheds to cover up and wash away buildings and roads.

A week later, we’re still without power or water, and most residents lack cell service. A mobile tower has been brought in to provide a hotspot for some, while those with generators are rationing fuel due to gas and diesel shortages. Those with full tanks took to the roads, seeking refuge in places like Charlotte (where hotels are fully booked), Greenville (also hit, but less damaged), and even as far as Atlanta or Florida—wherever family, friends, or rentals could be found. Unfortunately, major routes like I-40 remain impassable. Everything is operating through a cash or barter system. Most ATMs are not operational.

My 14-year-old son was in the midst of discovering himself—gaining confidence from a new job and his passion for rock climbing. Tragically, the climbing wall he had just joined was washed away last week, and his high school now serves as Duke Energy's temporary headquarters. He has limited contact with his friends, but thankfully, everyone is safe. It’s incredible to think that only four years ago, schools shut down due to the pandemic. I truly believe these kids, shaped by adversity, are destined to become strong leaders.

Despite the sadness and trauma, we must seek moments of joy—whether it’s a reason to laugh or a chance to connect with others. This morning, I found myself reflecting on a book I read during my early sobriety, The Power of Now. The core message is to focus on the present, recognizing that in this moment, we already have everything we need. Even if it's just for a brief second, building on this sense of peace allows our bodies to trust again. For anyone facing crisis, these mini meditations can help shift our energy from worrying about yesterday or tomorrow to appreciating the power of right now.

Here’s a final thought for today: Entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful tools to solve global challenges. It’s estimated that around one in every eight people has an entrepreneurial mindset. This means 10-15% of the population is working to solve problems that may seem overwhelming to others. The greatest entrepreneurs often face significant adversity, and overcoming those challenges plays a critical role in their success. If you see signs of entrepreneurship in your kids, encourage it. Let them dream big, imagine a better future, and ask them what they would change in the world. Help them find resources that can nurture their passion and guide them toward building a brighter future for their generation.