I was inspired.
Motivated.
Profoundly moved.
Let me start at the beginning…
Do you remember March 11, 2011?
The day that a mega earthquake and terrifying Tsunami devastated Japan.
We all watched with horror.
Many did what they could to help – donating time; money; service.
And then we move on – other stories take over, other tragedies dominate, other narratives catch our short attention spans.
I just came back from Japan – allow me to report.
Frankly, I wasn’t sure what I would find. People were nervous I was going.
Given the U.S. experience of Katrina and such – even years later – my expectations were not that high.
Should have known better.
Let’s be clear – there is still lots to do and years of work ahead – but that’s understood. Power is still an issue – air-conditioning and escalators and such – nice to have as opposed to necessities are still running low or slow – and that’s understood. Deep infrastructure changes are necessary and sacrifices’ will be made – and that’s understood.
Mornings as I watched CNN I found myself embarrassed watching the so-called U.S. debt crisis – I should say self-created crisis or maybe better self-inflicted….
In my home country some can’t seem to agree to any reduction in anything that might cause discomfort in the short term – but long term would save the economy – while others only want to slash and burn in the short term without any thought to damage in the long term.
And there I was with a country focused on the long term – and ready to do whatever it took in the short term – no matter how discomforting – if it assured the future.
The lesson from Japan?
Listen:
起死回生 (kishi kaisei) Literally: Wake from death and return to life.
This means: Get on with it….
継続は力なり。 (Keizoku wa chikara nari) Literally: Continuance (also) is power/strength.
This means: Don’t give up. Just continuing to hold on will yield/reveal strength and power. Continuing on after a setback is its own kind of strength. Perseverance is power.
And there you have it…
Feeling down?
Beaten up?
Reluctant to make the changes in your life you have to make?
Worried about cutting back?
Get on with it – perseverance is power and the future is bright.
Thank you to my friends in Japan for inspiring me, teaching me, motivating me…
What do you think?
Powerful and inspirational indeed…
The only thing we certainly have is this very present moment. Regards.
And learning how to play with the cards we’ve gotten.
David:
If I read correctly the NYTimes today, It seems that the character of the Japaneese people is also being deeply changed…… from quiet sheep to political activists because the government has been so opaque in telling the truth about levels of radiation. Old women are now going out and buying devises that read level of radioactivity. Incredible best ed
Another example of inspiration is the peaceful revolution in Egypt that overthrew a 40 year old regime, very much so done by the same people who had been oppressed for nearly 4 decades.
They made a decision and they stuck to it. The younger FB and Twitter generation wanted to redefine the laws of the nation and they successfully achieved it.
Moral of the story, if you show persistent perseverance, you can build or destroy an empire.
Sometimes we need a few minutes and see to our neightboors just to understand the really meanings of the life and change our ego pespective. Thanks fof share this
Perspective is a powerful thing, just shifting your mind set can shape your outcome. Incrediable is the strength it takes to take a thought/idea/passion to fruitation. Japan is truely inspiring.
I’m always inspired by those who have less and make the most of it and even prosper. That is the story of not only survivors of disasters but also immigrants, like my parents who came here (legally) with almost nothing and worked hard. My parents taught me those valuable lessons that it’s not always about having the latest gadgets or model car ( you know I’ve never had a cable box? just basic cable will do) but honesty, discipline, and perserverance that lead to prosperity. Thank you for sharing another inspiring story.
I heard once that birds can’t fly if the wind is not blowing against them and I think such is life.. Every obstacle, every crisis make us stronger, make us find new ways, make us fly but also make us be more sensible to others’ suffering, it make us better persons. It is a privilege to meet people from all around the world and learn from their experiences but it is even a bigger privilege to have the capability to see the lesson and share it. Thank you to do so!
@ Sal: Proud to be part of the Egyptian Revolution and specially “The younger FB and Twitter generation wanted to redefine the laws of the nation and they successfully achieved it.”
I’m really proud to be part of it…
Another change for the Japanese – because of the need to conserve electricity Japanese men are going home at 6pm and spending time with the family. This is really a revolution.
First of all, I want to thank all of the people belonging to the network for prayers, warm notes and charities extended to Japan.
My impression to ‘Spend Shift’, latest book written by John has dramatically changed after 3.11. Before 3.11, frankly speaking, I had felt there was a kind of psychological distance to the crisis happened in the States although it was global problem. However, after the earthquake and tsunami, the story of the people depicted in the book (especially, people in Detroit) started to move me so emotionally. I really realized that the most important thing after such crisis should be values and spirits of the people standing at the frontier for driving the future, and also community supporting those people. David, thanks for your sharing the story.