Seeking Perspective

Catastrophic events like the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan have any number of lasting effects.

For the people who have lost loved ones and whose lives have been forever altered, nothing more needs to be said. Thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the people of Japan.

Other effects are relatively insignificant in comparison to that. Still, they exist. Economic impact. Environmental impact. Emotional impact. The gravity of those (along with many others) has yet to be seen.

I am amazed at how I tend to forget that my problems are quite small compared to what the people of Japan and specifically, those who live in the region most affected by this natural and subsequent man-made disaster are going through.

I can’t imagine what it’s like to not be able to leave your house due to warnings of toxic radiation in the air. Getting tested for radiation exposure. Living in complete fear. Can’t even comprehend that.

I also can’t imagine the sight of what is left of some of the towns there. What it must look like after entire communities were destroyed and then literally washed away. Much less, the countless people who are without their loved ones or can’t locate them.

And so I get frustrated at myself because I have this tendency to really focus on the struggles in my life and in the process, forget about the fact that people are truly suffering elsewhere.

I guess I’m just writing this for myself, in an effort to remember look at things on a broader level more often. A reminder to look out for others more and be more thankful for the troubles I do have – thankful that they are not anywhere near as bad as what countless others are facing. To give thanks for everything good in my life. To take that familiar advice of cherishing every day. Each day we get is the last time we’ll have it. I need to remember that.

Thanks for listening, friends. That’s all for now. Hope you have a good day.