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SPORTS & FITNESS

 Mountain Views NewsSaturday, January 11. 2025

CIRCLES OF CARE: 
GIVING AND GETTING 
SUPPORT

Our community has been hit hard this week. 
Los Angeles County—larger than many nations 
in both population and land mass—has 
been devastated by fires sweeping through 
multiple neighborhoods. Fueled by dry vegetation 
and fierce winds, the flames have consumed 
homes, belongings, and landscapes. 
These moments of loss often bring sharp 
clarity to our values and priorities.

As I write this, the fires remain out of control. Emergency responders are calling 
for reinforcements from across the nation. We are deeply moved by the courage 
of those who run toward danger to protect us. Watching friends and neighbors 
endure so much inspires a natural desire to help.

How You Can Help

Here’s a simple list of ways to support our community during this crisis:

Stay off the roads unless necessary. This reduces congestion for emergency vehicles.

Conserve energy and water. This eases the strain on local utilities.

Donate money.

World Central Kitchen: Provides meals to first responders and displaced families.

California Fire Foundation: Offers emotional and financial support to firefighters, 
their families, and impacted communities.

Red Cross: Provides shelter, meals, relief supplies, and support for emergency 
responders.

Want to Offer Something More Personal?

Consider these simple, direct ways to bring comfort:

Deliver a meal or coffee.

Drop off groceries.

Sponsor clothing or essentials.

Offer to babysit or care for elders or pets.

Write a heartfelt note or card.

What Not to Do

In times of crisis, it’s equally important to know what not to do. Following major 
tragedies like September 11, experts observed that encouraging people to immediately 
recount their trauma could lead to long-term emotional harm.

For at least 48 hours after a traumatic event, avoid asking for detailed accounts 
unless necessary. Instead, focus on providing reassurance and space for those affected 
to process their experience at their own pace.

Before sharing a story, ask yourself:

Does this need to be told?

Am I the person who needs to hear or share it?

Let’s be mindful not to reinforce the trauma.

Understanding the Ring Theory of Support

Feeling scared or anxious? The Ring Theory, developed by Susan Silk and Barry 
Goldman, provides a helpful framework for navigating emotional support.

Picture a series of concentric circles. The person most affected by the crisis is at 
the center. Around them are layers of support: the first circle might be their closest 
loved ones, followed by extended family, close friends, acquaintances, and so on.

The rule is simple: comfort goes in; complaints go out.

The person at the center can express their feelings freely to those in any outer 
circle.

Those in outer circles should only share their fears or frustrations with someone 
in a larger ring—not with the person at the center.

Before offering advice or sharing your own feelings, ask yourself: Is this helpful? 
Then, respond with care and compassion.

About the Author:

Lori A. Harris is an award-winning coach and former lawyer who helps people live intentionally 
and authentically. Learn more from her on her podcast, Unlock Your Life with Lori 
Harris, available at loriaharris.com and all streaming platforms. 


Michele Silence, M.A. is a 37-year certified fitness 

professional who offers semi-private/virtual fitness 
classes. Contact Michele at michele@kid-fit.
com. Visit her Facebook page at: michelesfitness 
Visit her Facebook page at: michelesfitness.


SMALL CHANGES, BIG RESULTS

When it comes to improving your health, you don’t need a 
complete overhaul to see real results. Small, consistent changes 
can lead to big benefits over time. The best part? These shifts 
are simple and easy to weave into your daily routine—no crash 
diets or grueling workout schedules required.

To get started, review the list below and choose twelve actions 
that feel doable for you. Number each one, cut out the list, and 
stick it on your refrigerator where you’ll see it often. Pick one 
habit to focus on this week. Once it feels like a regular part of 
your life, move on to the next. By the end of the year, you’ll be 
amazed at how far you’ve come.

Many people believe improving their health means taking extreme 
steps, but lasting progress comes from consistency, not 
perfection. Research shows that focusing on one small, healthy 
habit at a time greatly increases the chance of long-term success. 
Simple actions—like a short walk or drinking more water—
add up. Over time, they boost energy, sharpen your mind, 
and improve overall well-being. By setting achievable goals, you build confidence and motivation 
to keep going.

• Walk for 15 minutes a day

• Stand more, sit less

• Take stairs instead of the elevator

• Drink one extra glass of water a day

• Add vegetables to one meal a day

• Swap a sugary drink for water or tea

• Snack on a small handful of nuts or seeds instead of candy

• Go to bed 15 minutes earlier

• Return to a hobby you previously enjoyed

• Dim lights 30 minutes before bedtime

• Breathe deeply for one minute

• Listen to calming music for 15 minutes

• Write down one positive thing each day

• Create a meatless sandwich you would enjoy

• Keep fresh fruit on your kitchen counter

• Revise a favorite greasy food to make it healthy

• Schedule phone calls while walking

• Use a smaller plate to eat on

• Switch from white bread/pasta to whole grain

• Park at far end of lot when shopping and walk

• Drink sparkling water instead of soda

• Try a new salad every week

• Reduce TV time by 30 minutes a day

• Walk your dog/neighbor’s dog

• End a toxic relationship

• Use herbs in cooking instead of salt

• If you eat butter, use a smaller amount

• Switch to a plant-based milk (soy, oat, almond, cashew, etc.)

• Take time to do one thing just for you each day

• Eat something small for breakfast

• Join a group you would enjoy

• Read a book a week(s)

• Work on giving up an unhealthy habit (smoking, on phone too much, etc.)

• Re-connect with an old friend

• When eating desserts or treats, eat half your normal amount

• Read food labels, look for lower sodium and fat options

• Prep meals for multiple nights and freeze/swap with friends

• One day go meatless (no animal products)

• Cut out/buy less processed foods

• Eat healthy 6 days a week, splurge on your “extra” day

• Cut intake of alcohol in half

• Buy less fatty foods like chips, donuts, churros, anything deep fried

• Try pizza without the meat, load up on veggies

• Learn something new - anything

• Use an alternative to mayo on bread (avocado, hummus, etc.)

Most people don’t realize how little it takes to improve their health. You don’t have to run a marathon 
every week or never eat chocolate. It’s just taking care of yourself through the basics. Give 
yourself a break and start by building some healthy and permanent habits. By following these small 
but effective changes, you can feel better, have more energy, and make healthier choices without 
feeling overwhelmed. Start today and see how these habits can positively impact your life over time.


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com