"Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it." - Lao Tzu
When I count my blessings—something I make a point to do daily, often at night—I’m careful to honor the small things. Of course, I’m deeply grateful for the people in my life, the roof over my head, the clothes on my back, and the food that nourishes me. But my gratitude goes further, reaching out to those I’ve never met: the farmers, factory workers, and countless others whose hard work allows me to live a life of comfort. I’m thankful for the warmth and coolness in my home, the ability to adjust it with ease, and the privilege of paying bills on my own. As I prepare for bed, stepping into the shower, I feel a profound sense of gratitude for the gift of flowing water, something so simple yet so essential. Each gentle drop washes away the day’s tension, leaving me ready for restful sleep. In those moments, I count myself truly fortunate.
Water has the capacity to heal, nurture or destroy.
I recognize that not everyone is as fortunate as I am. One part of the world is on fire and another is drowning in floods. Sometimes it’s a challenge to reconcile my own good fortune against those who are suffering so profoundly. Western North Carolina is decimated from the recent hurricane. As of this writing, the death count is 213 and many are still waiting to be rescued. Much of the focus has been on Asheville however smaller hamlets and towns are still waiting for help. The death toll will rise.
Towns are gone. Houses floated away. Lifetimes of memories will never be seen again. How do you pick up the pieces and move on? Well, you do. There isn’t a choice. You lean on the people around you until you can stand up straight again. You ask for help.
This picture reveals devastation, sadness, and overwhelming flooding. Although her face is hidden, we can easily imagine the flood of emotions she must be experiencing—the loss, the grief. My heart connects deeply with her pain; I feel her sorrow. As she trudges through the water, I imagine her wondering “Where will I find the strength to carry on. How will I rebuild? How many in my life are dead? How will I reunite with loved ones?” After disasters, there are more questions than there are answers.
Shelters are set up. People live in large areas on cots. They eat, but not what they want, but what they are given. Choice is a luxury. Taking a shower is a luxury. Washing your hair may seem like the last necessary thing to do when all you can do is try to survive. As a former disaster worker, the importance of having something of your own after losing everything cannot be overstated.
More now than before, people need compassion, connection, love and HELP. Water does not discriminate color, religion, shape, size or sexual orientation. It flows everywhere and affects everyone.
In the aftermath of a tragedy, gratitude is not for the big things, it whittles down to the small things…connection, a meal, clothes, and sometimes even a warm shower.
I learned long ago the importance of asking for help. If you don’t ask, you don’t get. Though I’m not directly impacted by the floods, they are ravaging my home state and affecting so many lives. It’s not just a local issue; it’s a matter of humanity. With water and electricity currently out of reach for many, I reached out to ETHIQUE, a company based in New Zealand that I’ve supported and used for years as part of my journey toward reducing plastic waste and aligning more closely with environmental sustainability.
“I would like to ask if you would be willing to donate some of your amazing sample sizes to this community. More than ever, your products would serve an amazing purpose (helping to uplift, clean, and refresh). Using little water it would be a great fit.”
With water and electricity both scarce, I strongly believe these heart-shaped dynamos will make a huge impact. Not only will they help people stay clean, reducing the risk of disease, but they’d also offer a brief moment of respite from the world around them—a chance to care for themselves. Plus, the minimal water required for each use made it an obvious solution!
I asked for help and received a resounding YES as the answer!
After a few days of back and forth trying to decide quantity ETHIQUE would support people affected by NC Hurricane Helene by donating 2500 units each of two trio packs for a total of 5000 units!! Truly blown away by this support of generosity. I sat in my chair and wept, overcome with gratitude. Not only did I receive a yes but my quantity request was doubled!
Next, I connected ETHIQUE to Homeward Bound NC which focuses on ending homelessness. They have a huge task ahead of them right now. Happily they accepted this generous donation. As of this writing, shipment is en route.
Now imagine, after enduring a flood, receiving a beautiful gift—a heart-shaped shampoo and face care set. Given with love, it’s meant to be used with love, a small reminder of care and compassion in a difficult time. Everyone deserves to feel whole, happy, clean and loved. This is just the first of many steps toward humanity. The next steps are rebuilding homes and lives.
Lao Tzu says “Nothing is softer or more flexible than water”, I would like to counter this by saying compassion, love and kindness are the softest and most flexible attributes which make our society beautiful.
Every day, as I use my ETHIQUE products, I now feel a profound sense of connection, love, and gratitude, deeper than ever before. When I count my blessings, ETHIQUE is among them, as is Amber, with whom I’ve been in touch daily to make this possible. I also count Terry at Homeward Bound, who is doing life-saving work while managing his own challenges. I’m grateful for every "miracle worker" at ETHIQUE who crafts these products and sends them out to customers like me. I reflect on all these blessings and everything that has shaped who I am today.
I encourage each of you to support hurricane relief in your own way. Show compassion, love, and support. Reach out to someone who’s suffering, or make a contribution—whatever you can do, please do. Every effort matters. You make the difference.
With much love and gratitude,
Chellie
Please show ETHIQUE some love and support either with an email saying THANK YOU or by ordering one of their amazing products. Every product has a trial size and every product is 100% guaranteed!
The hyperlink the ETHIQUE will give you 20% off of your first purchase. I will received “bonus points” toward my own purchase. I do not work for ETHIQUE or gain any monetary remuneration.
Resources to help Western North Carolina
Hurricane Helene has devastated beautiful western North Carolina and our neighbors need our help. Here are just a few of the many organizations that are already mobilized and providing aid.
Thank you, Chellie, for writing this and showing us how one person can make a difference that will impact thousands of lives. Your heart is big, your generosity profound, and your understanding of what's important in life are an inspiration. I am grateful for you.
Thank you Ginni- your words touch my heart so deeply. This was a beautiful coming together of timing, people and love. I appreciate everyone’s part in making this happen. If we all put our minds to it, we can do incredible things in this world. You my dear friend, inspire me forward with your wisdom, your life and your deep and giving heart. Thank you for being my friend 🤗🩷