Japan has just experienced one of its most drastic catastrophes since the World War II. A devastating 8.9/9.0 magnitude earthquake hit the Pacific Ocean nearby Northeastern Japan on March 11, causing damage with blackouts, fire and a tsunami.
Millions of people are still today without water and electricity. Death count is up to 10 000. Pure destruction and more to be afraid of, says the meteorological agency of Japan, stating that there is a 70 percent change there will be a post earthquake with the magnitude of 7.0 richter. People are terrified, and for a reason.
I wanted to share the photo above with you. The girl above can’t be too much older than I am. Could you imagine being in her position? Neither can’t I. She might have just lost her home, and not knowing if her family and friends are even alive. To me that picture is like a clip of a horrible movie, a very unrealistic one. But she is very real. Her pain is real. Her worst nightmares just became reality to her. It took me a minute to realize that.
Me, on the other hand, just got back from a traditional Finnish celebration dinner, joining some other Finns in the area, had a truly pleasant time. My family and friends are safe. And I don’t need to be afraid of anything. I’m good.
How often do we forget to appreciate what we have and take things for granted? Too often. My worries seem quite non-existent compared to the people in Japan right now. Actually, my worries are nothing.
Another reason to live in the moment and to cherish our good lives and loved ones.
Bless Japan. Appreciate.
Hopeareunuksia 
Beautiful message with a very moving photograph. Yes, indeed, we have so much to appreciate! Thank you, Jaana.
Yes, we truly do Dan.
Sometimes it’s so easy to forget the good things and focus on the bad things that, in the long-run, mean absolutely nothing. Let’s not waste the time 🙂
Thanks for the great post Jaana. It’s way too easy to forget what really matters.
Thank you Amber!
Oh it’s so easy to forget and complain about little, meaningless things sometimes, after all, we are all human 🙂 What I try to do, is to wake up in the morning and while drinking my coffee in peace, think of all my blessings. A good start for the day.
Jaana, I couldn’t agree more. My brother’s Sister-in-Law teaches English in Tokyo and is on her way to the disaster zone to act as an interpreter for the English speaking rescue workers that do not speak Japanese. We are all worried about her, as she will be in the area that is being affected by the nuclear power plant explosions. When I see natural disasters like this, or man made issues, like what is going on i the Middle East, I can not help but be grateful that I live where I do. At the same time, I ask myself ” What can I do to help?” Even if it is a small donation of $10.00, at least I know I did SOMETHING, rather than nothing.
Dan.
I wish your brother’s Sister-in-Law is safe. Many blessings to her.
Thank you for sharing your story and thank you for being an advocate for action and help. Like you said, even a small donation will make an impact, with the lives in Japan as well as in your heart.
Thank you Dan!
Jaana,
We found out today that she was ordered back to Tokyo due to the possibility of a major melt down at the power plant. She is currently attempting to make arrangements to come back to Nevada, but getting a flight out is proving difficult. She may have to go as far south as Okinawa ( a bit more than 2100 KM south of Tokyo ) to get out. She has no car, so it is either a train or several bus rides to get there.
Dan.
Oh my goodness! She is definitely facing quite the journey to be able to make it back to the U.S. I wish her the best of luck in the word and safety in her trials to get back home.
Please do keep me posted about her efforts to make it back safe!