Tara Lipinski is opening up about the heartbreak, perspective and unexpected joys that have emerged in the wake of the Palisades Fire, which upended her family's life earlier this year. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the Olympic gold medalist, 43, spoke candidly about the fear and gratitude she's felt since the devastating blaze. The fires broke out in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Jan. 7, forcing tens of thousands of residents to flee as flames and smoke swept through the region. On Jan. 9, Lipinski shared a video on her Instagram Stories showing her family — including her 20-month-old daughter, Georgie, and her dog — evacuating their Los Angeles home, which was later damaged by the blaze. "It's definitely put so much in perspective," Lipinski tells PEOPLE over Zoom. "At the end of the day, yes, you have your home, you have material things that hold meaning and sentimental value, but what truly matters is the love of your family and the people in your life." Although the experience was unexpected and overwhelming, Lipinski says she's found peace in life's smaller, everyday moments. "This wasn't what we thought this year would look like," she admits. "But even in the midst of uncertainty, I've found joy in the little things. Whether it's dancing in the living room with my daughter or simply being present with my family, those are the moments that matter. It doesn't matter which living room we're in, as long as we're together and safe." She continues, "From day one, when this happened, I just kept thinking how lucky I am. Every single day I wake up feeling grateful that I have my husband, my daughter, my dog. We're all safe. We got to a safe place, and now we're navigating this transition together." Lipinski also notes that the people in Los Angeles have united in an incredible way since the fires, especially in Altadena and the Palisades, where many are still struggling to recover. "It is a time of rebuilding, but there's still a lot of loss and grief for so many. Everyone's situation is different, but within our community — through all the group chats we have in the Palisades — I feel like this is a time of hope and renewal." "The one thing I take away from it is the neighbors, the community. I love them so much. Almost everything I wear says Palisades or LA Strong, or something that ties back to what I think is one of the brighter lights in this tragic event — the connection and support, how everyone rallies and is there for one another." "It makes me emotional. I'm an emotional person, but when I read messages and see how people go out of their way to help neighbors and friends, it's remarkable." She adds, "What made me most emotional after the fires was seeing people in the neighborhood — and even those outside our immediate community — stepping up to help, giving essentials to those in need. It was incredibly moving to witness how many showed up for all the people affected." Currently, Lipinski's family is staying in a rental home. As they begin to rebuild the parts of their home damaged in the Palisades Fire, Lipinski is embracing a new chapter: one focused on healing, rest and redefining what "home" means. This mindset is reflected in her new partnership with Saatva, the official mattress provider of Team USA and the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Together, they're celebrating the launch of the brand's new Pasadena showroom. "As a new mom, I'm exhausted most of the time," Lipsinki admits. "We're trying to rebuild the comfort items we had for so many years, things that made our home feel like home. Saatva has helped so much with that. I'm doing a new mattress, all new bedding. I'm really excited about creating a new little sanctuary." "Moms are athletes in their own way," she says with a smile. "Rest is essential. When I put Georgie to bed at 7 p.m. last night, I ended up falling asleep right there in her room. I looked at the clock, and it was only 7:30. I was that tired." When it comes to her sleep, she adds how she cherishes the simple nighttime rituals that help her unwind. "I love the ritual of winding down at night, lighting a candle, dimming the lights, and snuggling into bed," she says. "That's my time to recharge. When I get into bed, it feels like a treat. I just want to rest, relax, and hopefully sleep through the night." "I'm always the person who wakes up at 3 or 4 a.m. with my mind racing," she adds. "And then I remind myself, Georgie's asleep. This is my time to rest. That little bit of peace is something I've come to treasure."