"The one with finding inspiration in light of tragedy..."

My heart goes to the people of Japan, in atonement to their recent exigence and most dire of moments.

I recalled an interview I saw during broadcast from the epicenter of the quake; an old man was asked to comment on the devastation that had ridden his small town into ruins.

"The (earth)quake was bad, really bad. We suffered many losses, property and lives. I guess what needs to be done is pick yourself up, and start rebuilding everything again."

How powerful the notion of the mind can be. Ideas and dreams are both synergistic wisdoms made immortal; no bullet ails them, and no disaster holds them aground. When an idea is imprinted, they become actions. Imprint them from childhood, it becomes a culture. A culture then determines identity, and upon this epiphany makes us strong.

We can learn a lot from the Japanese. They are the epitome of humility and persistence.

In predicaments such as these, it takes a lot for us to be reminded of how 'bilateral' we are. We human beings are capable of dire evil, but in resilience can also endear infinite compassion. Push comes to shove, during instances where empathy resides an option no more - we witness kindness in their rawest form. In these actions we find the courage, endurance, tenacity and pursuance to harbor through life's most enduring challenges.

When disasters such as this befalls us, our definitions alter; our conscience receives a reboot. It becomes simpler, fundamental. Suddenly heroes are no longer individuals confiding behind masks, but instead complete strangers mustering their strength pulling tsunami victims to safety. Heroes are no longer those bearing capes, but voluntary workers aiding the search for survivors underneath rocks and debris. We start viewing life unpretentiously; at it's most bare and basic - in lieu of our most inadequate existence. We treat every small thing as a blessing, we endure any hardship in acceptance for better days, we put our best into our efforts without matter for its consequence but for its reasons. We become better individuals, we appreciate people better, we show love unconditionally and we display kindness selflessly. When we are at our most modest, we are the most gracious.

"A good day helps us commit between bad days; but bad days also help us cherish and appreciate the coming of good days. Bad days reminds us of where those good days come from..."

It's surprising that a child muttered these words. Children inherently are abundant with such innocence and kindness that it's a shame they don't inspire their predecessors more often.

Therefore, I remind myself everyday to relive my innocence as a child - and be thankful for what I've become today. I remind myself that every day is a blessing, and every endeavor I have in my life is God's gift I should treasure. In making the best of what He has bestowed us, is our gift back to Him.

-JeP