The Japanese are not only showing their hardiness and resilience in good times, they are also showing these exceptional characteristics in the worst of times in one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded which also spawned a deadly tsunami that slammed into the small island nation, leaving a huge swath of devastation in its wake. They have also shown their abilities to bloom beautifully and gracefully just like the Vanda Miss Joaquim. The recent calamity did not put the affected areas into a state of chaos and in fact the Japanese has remained calm in handling and facing the situation; they have given all of us a very valuable lesson.

It can be challenging enough for some to maintain their composures during good times, not to mention during times like what the Japanese are going through now. They have not only continue to display an air of gracefully in their daily lives but have also extended their hands to others who are affected.

Many have truly risen to the occasion as a report by Associated Press. I am truly touched to read all the stories of people going beyond their own sufferings to make life better for others.

A lesson on “initiative” from Students in Karakuwa, who are bringing buckets of water from the school swimming pool to give survivors the dignity of a proper flush. Another lesson on unconditional sharing: “For a long time, in the countryside, even if you didn’t have enough for yourself, you shared with others,” said Noriko Sasaki, 63.

In another article by Hiroko Yoda in cnngo.com, she wrote:

Everywhere I go, I see people helping and encouraging each other, even total strangers. The outpouring of support and sympathy, especially in a metropolis filled with people who normally keep to themselves, has been astounding.

At my local supermarkets, prices have been lowered to help customers, who politely line up and pay without panic or complaint.

Hiroko also reported that in a broadcast interview with students by NHK, one of the students said, “We want to tell everyone living in shelters like us to stay strong,” and another said, “We’ll rebuild Japan together.” These are words from junior high schoolers, many of whom have yet to make contact with their families.

Lastly in the report by Associated Press, the Japanese has taught me the most valuable lesson on Gratitude:

At the school in Karakuwa, 43-year-old Emi Yoshida reads a book, still wearing the same clothes she had on the day the tsunami roared into town. She has not showered in a week and longs for a bed. Still, she is grateful for the comfort the community has provided her and her two sons.

The girl was crying and asking the man, “Why am I different from others?” And the man replied, “Why…do you have to be like others.” The video is about a deaf girl learning to play the violin; impossible it may seem. However, as the man said in the video, music is a visible things, close your eyes. You will see.”

This is very applicable to our daily life; we can always question ourselves, “Are we giving our best shot?” This is especially true when things are not going the way that we wanted to. Another great point from the short clip is

“Your attitude is the aroma of your heart. If your attitude stinks, it means your heart’s not right.“

Wishing all of you a POWER weekend!

I believe most would agree with me that life isn’t always easy and some of you would agree that if it is easy, it wouldn’t be fun and exciting. I like the part that life isn’t always easy; in fact I will grow to love all the challenges that life throws at me eventually. It is human nature that at times I would still grumble a little. However, I am grateful for every challenges that had come my way and they provided me with the opportunity to better myself. There were times when I doubted myself and thought that I couldn’t do it. But time and again, I proved to myself that I could actually do it. When we focus on what we can do, the challenges will eventually work out.

How about you, were there times when you doubted your own ability to overcome challenges that came your way? Did you also focus on what you could do and eventually the challenges worked out? We may not be able to overcome every challenges always … at least not at the initial stage when we meet it.

But as the saying goes, “We will not be dealt with any challenges which are too big for us to handle.” I believe and trust in that. Challenges are but invisible steps which we must take towards our destination. Taking each step requires Faith as the step would only show itself when we have already taken it. Just as what Steve Job said in his first story about ‘connecting the dots,’ we wouldn’t know where we are heading until we look back and connect the dots. Thus, the truth of the matter is we wouldn’t know exactly where we are heading a lot of times and that is where we make mistakes along the way. Just keep the Faith and keep moving!

Life isn’t always easy and it is not supposed to be easy also but that is where all the excitements are! Quoting from Jim Rohn:

“Don’t wish it were easier, wish you were better.”

Life Isn’t Always Easy

Life can be unfair at times
When you must maintain Faith
And Never Let Go.

It is especially during the difficult times
That you must live your life
To its fullest potential.
Those are the times to Triumph
Over circumstances
With Hope and Courage.

Life isn’t always easy,
But if you keep Going and Persevere
To the very best of your Ability,
You will gain Strength to manage
The new Challenges ahead.

Each Goal that you reach
Is another important Step Forward.

Believe that there are
Bright and wonderful days
Ahead for you and you will find them.