Life changing true stories told to encourage, empower and inspire us!

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"Fill your mind with light, happiness, hope, feelings of security and strength, and soon your life will reflect these qualities." ~Unknown

Email me anytime: coreen.velvetoversteel@gmail.com

"The Greatest gift that you can give to others is the gift of unconditional love and acceptance!" ~Brian Tracy

All post and stories are the sole property of Velvet Over Steel aka Coreen Trost. I write and create post in order to help others, so share as you want. I just ask that you link back or give VOS credit. Some of the stories are going into a book in progress. Thank You ALL.. for your support and help!!
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." ~ John Quincy Adams

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Finding Happiness in the midst of Tragedy.....

"Sometimes in tragedy we find our life's purpose - the eye sheds a tear to find its focus." ~Robert Brault, http://www.robertbrault.com/

Of course we all know about the catastrophic events in Japan this past week.  The images on the news are horrific and heartbreaking to watch.  In the midst of so much sadness and tragedy, I wondered if I should do my usual weekly 'Happy' post.   Then because I personally had trouble getting those images out of my head and not able to think about much else, I decided I should.  So here goes... I sincerely hope I'm able to uplift or cheer a friend or two. 

"If you're going through hell, keep going." ~Winston Churchill
Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eye Girl originally started in June 2009.  Now the it is hosted by Sprinkles at Wyldechylde.  We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us. So by participating, we are deciding to see the glass as half full, instead of half empty. We are choosing to concentrate on the positives, instead of dwelling on the negatives. Our Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that. They are a list of the things in our life that have brought us happiness over the past week. We are determined to find the something good in every day. Are you?

"The beauty of the world has two edges, one of laughter, one of anguish, cutting the heart asunder." ~Virginia Woolf, A Room of One's Own, 1929
For the next week, we challenge you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day.

I'm Happy and Thankful for many things; including some special kindness this week:
  • For feeling much better after being sick this week and for wonderful bosses who cared! :-)
  • For the nice auto instructors and students who repaired my car this week!  They did a Great job!!  The auto center I went to first... not so much, but we live and learn!! :-)
  • For my youngest son's birthday and the special treat from his dad Friday! :-)   My son is very happy!  I can't believe how fast the years fly by though!!!
"When we ask, "Why did this happen to me?"... let us also ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our way." ~Author Unknown
It's also "ALOHA FRIDAY" Everyone!!  If you want to join in the fun? Post your own question on your blog and leave your link at the Aloha Friday post at An Island Life. Then you can visit the other participants if you wish...It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends or see what people are thinking about this week and join in a conversation or two if you like.
"When it is dark enough, you can see the stars." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
My question:  I know it may be hard, but what 'inspirational' and/or 'happy' image or story can you remember from the tragedy this week?

My answer: First, I am so impressed with the 'calm' and kindness to one another in Japan's shelters and devastated areas.  Someone giving another person their only food for the day, because the other person needed it more.  Or the firefighter who kept trying to save others, after learning their own family was gone.  Incredible human kindness; the way we should all be to each other, in my opinion.  Then there was the image of the baby girl found alive... 3 days after the tsunami.  A miracle, no other explanation!!!
"Turn your wounds into wisdom and appreciation." ~Oprah Winfrey
Please note: I'll be participating in the Bloggers Day of Silence to honor the victims of the recent earthquake tomorrow and to help raise awareness for the need for donations.  I apologize for not being able to visit anyone this week, due to being sick.  I promise to get back into my routine soon, just not Friday in honor of Japan.

Charlotte (Life's a Charm!) has left this link for more inspiring stories: Tweets from Japan in the midst of catastrophic quake.   So insightful and inspiring...
Love & Many Hugs Always!!
~ Coreen xoxoxo
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28 comments:

  1. I'm sorry you've been sick and I'm glad you're feeling better.

    It's always a great day when your car gets fixed, and it's actually fixed!

    Happy Birthday to Youngest Son!!!

    My brother sent me photos from CNN. They're devastating to look at; heartbreaking. But the determination of the people to go on and all the rescue workers....they inspire.

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  2. So sorry you have been sick!!! I haven't found anything insoirational about this yet, but I keep looking. When people ask "why me?" they need to turn it around and ask "why not me?".

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  3. Happy Birthday to your son. I hope it's a good one ...

    About your question,
    I am proud to have lived in Japan and have experienced first hand their culture of honor, respect, impeccable customer service, discipline, order and calm. That in the midst of this devastation, there is NO reported looting and crime remained low in Japan. The Japanese people may not be the warmest people but their honor and respect is unwavering. And how they have maintain order in the midst of the chaos is recognition-worthy. Of all the video and photo footage of the disaster, you will not see people showing emotional chaos, or people not waiting orderly in line, or a hint of mass panic, even until now that a nuclear meltdown may happen.

    I guess what I am trying to say is that, I am inspired by their discipline, their order and calm. And their being honorable people, will not steal and continue to help the best way they could.

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  4. Hi Coreen, Sorry you have been sick. I have been missing you... Thought you might have been out-of-town.

    I have learned to admire the Japanese people so much.. They are so calm and there's no looting. They seem to have a respect for each other like we don't have in the USA... I keep comparing what happened to Katrina --even though Katrina wasn't anywhere near as bad. BUT--the way people acted after Katrina was HORRIBLE... We as a country need to learn from Japan. Their respect for each other is amazing...

    The other thing about this disaster which bothers me is that some Americans are only thinking about themselves... Gosh--we need to take care of the people in Japan first before we start worrying about ourselves...

    I do think we all learn from tragedies--and can grow from them. I love the quote above: "When we ask, "Why did this happen to me?"... let us also ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our way." ~Author Unknown

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  5. i was really happy with all the poets at our wednesday one shot...sharing the depths of their emotions and feelings for those in japan and their well wishes ans prayers...and for the money that was raised to send...

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  6. Lovely post - love the quote about 'why did this happen to me'!

    The Japanese people have shown such strength and courage and perseverence. There have been stories of human kindness that always shine through the horror.

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  7. A very beautiful post... Loved the quotes.
    I know a bit about what happens when such a tragedy strikes, there were similar scenes when there was that huge tsunami in India about 10 years back, we as humans feel so helpless against the forces of nature...

    Get well soon:) Dropped over from Ginny's blog:)
    Have a nice day.

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  8. So glad you are feeling better. This was a wonderful, thought-provoking post.

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  9. I AGREE, WITH LOVE TO JAPAN.
    ANOTHER THING I HAVE OBSERVED IN THE NEWS FROM THERE, IS NO INCODENCES OF LOOTING. IT SEEMS WE WESTERN COUNTRIES HAVE MUCH TO LEARN ON RESPECT AND MANNERS..GOD BLESS. CM.

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  10. Those personal stories from Japan are both heartbreaking and heartwarming. The strength of the human spirit in the midst of tragedy is nothing short of a miracle.

    And here's to hoping you feel better.

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  11. Dear Coreen, glad you can still find happiness and a bright points in your life despite the effects we all feel from the tragedy as it keeps unfolding on the other side of the globe.
    Have a lovely weekend,
    xoxo

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  12. Hope you're feeling better and Happy Birthday to your son.

    Have a lovely week-end.

    Yvonne.

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  13. I saw a news story on ABC...a group of elder Japanese people sitting in a circle, surrounded by total devastation. The news crew walked up to them and they immediately rose and offered the news anchor and camera people some food. Food they had precious little of...they were giving away!! Insisting on them to take and eat!! Brought tears to my eyes. What bravery! What graciousness!!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  14. I was watching yesterday about a dog that would not leave it's other dog friend side. It was so precious to see how that dog would do anything (a dog can do) to remain with it's buddy.

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  15. Don't stop your Friday posts for anything - we need them!

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  16. I'm glad you are feeling lots better.

    I am touched that the men and woman are still trying to help their country by working on those reactors despite the danger they are facing.

    and even more so by that baby (four mths old I think) that was found along with the grandmother , after being washed away and re united with her family.

    And yes by that fire fighter who lost his whole family and the words hurt to leave his throat to express his grief, but still he keeps searching for others.

    Oh the stories. Oh the heartbreak. Oh the love.

    Do enjoy your weekend!

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  17. So glad you're feeling better! Happy birthday to your son! :)

    I've been touched by all the compassion that's shown all over for the people in Japan - so many people are stepping up to the plate to help, it's inspiring to see! :)

    Spring Awakening

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  18. awe welcome back dear, glad ur feeling better, and I agree amongst the tragedies of today we must stay positive.

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  19. Hi Coreen...I'm touched too by the kindness the Japenese are extending to each other. It's an amazing lesson to give out of pain....but it's so sad to think of them trying to rebuild after losing so much.

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  20. Seeing everyone come together and help each other out . . . even risking their own lives in the process!

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  21. I'm thrilled to hear you feelin' better.

    My heart and prayer go out to the people in Japan. They were just livin' an ordinary day when this tragic event turned their world upside-down.

    I admire them for their courage and strength.

    God bless ya and have a positively beautiful weekend sweetie!!!

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  22. Get well Soon Coreen, take a good rest and happy birthday to your son.

    With what had happened to Japan, I am so delightful to see the rescuers who are not stopping to look for survivors, despite the harsh weather and snow. I also happy that people from all over the world are showing their concerns and love for the people of Japan.

    God bless you and your family and have a great weekend my friend. Take a good rest.

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  23. Sorry I have not been by. My family has been in Crisis mode the last month or so. Glad you feel better!

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  24. Can I add something else that made me happy or gave me hope this week not having to do with Japan. It wasn't reported very much, but a Jewish family who lived on the West Bank was murdered by Arab terrorists, including their 3 month old daughter, 3 year old son and 11 year old son. Now during the mourning period a Palestinian family showed up at the town where the remaining family was in mourning looking for emergency care, the woman was in distress her child was being born with the chord around its neck. The ppl at the town not only helped them but they got an army medic to help deliver a healthy baby girl. (Mother and daughter are doing great BTW)My hope for the week, is that in the face of such great evil(the purposeful slaughter of babies), ppl still have the power of love, compassion and humanity.

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  25. take care of your health.. thoughtful post... very thoughtful...

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