"10 Things We Can Learn From Japan"

Try reading this short list of "10 Things We Can Learn From Japan" and get inspired by the way they're overcoming this terrifying and tragic natural disaster. Then simply try to honor them by applying the lessons they are teaching to your life.

But before you do, ask yourself one simple question.

When your day goes to hell in a hand basket, could you check all 10 items off your list?

(See my comments under each one with what I'm hoping you get out of this email today.)

1. THE CALM
Not a single visual of chest-beating or wild grief. Sorrow itself has been elevated.

*How do you weather the storms in your life? Do you drag everyone down to the bottom of the pool as you drown, to make yourself feel better?

2. THE DIGNITY
Disciplined queues for water and groceries. Not a rough word or a crude gesture.

*How do you get what you need from those you love when you are starving for attention or feel rejected? Is what you want to get what you give?

3. THE ABILITY
The incredible architects, for instance. Buildings swayed but didn't fall.

*How strong are your relationships? Are you someone your loved ones can trust? Or are you only as good as your last rainstorm?

4. THE GRACE
People bought only what they needed for the present, so everybody could get something.

*Are you so focused on mistakes made in the past or worried about what might happen tomorrow you miss out on the joy of the day?

5. THE ORDER
No looting in shops. No honking and no overtaking on the roads. Just understanding.

*How tight do you hold on? How far do you push your loved ones to "prove" to you their love for you?

6. THE SACRIFICE
Fifty workers stayed back to pump seawater in the N-reactors. How will they ever be repaid?

*Are you selfless in your relationships or are you a horse trader only giving back exactly what you're getting?

7. THE TENDERNESS
Restaurants cut prices. An unguarded ATM is left alone. The strong cared for the weak.

*Given the opportunity to get the upper hand, do you take it? Do you value the relationship over being right?

8. THE TRAINING
The old and the children, everyone knew exactly what to do. And they did just that.

*Do you know what to do when things aren't going your way? Are you emotionally fit to handle the hard times and grow despite the challenges? What example do you set for those around you?

9. THE MEDIA
They showed magnificent restraint in the bulletins. No silly reporters. Only calm reportage.

*Does the world know your business? Is a fall from grace with you a public affair? Why?

10. THE CONSCIENCE
When the power went off in a store, people put things back on the shelves and left quietly.

*When someone you love is vulnerable, do you press your advantage to "win" so you can have what you want?


The Japanese people have humbled me with their awe-inspiring acts of everyday kindness, summing up better than I ever could, EXACTLY where I hope you'll be in your life at the end of our short journey together.

Lori R Taylor  PickTheBrain