Reactions

The tragedy that is occurring in Japan is devastating. My heart goes out to all the victims and their families. This tragedy like many others (e.g. Hurricane Katrina) shows that life is unpredictable. But the unexpected happenings in life are not what make us, it is the way we react to them. In watching all the coverage from the Japan tragedies I have heard many mixed responses from survivors. Some claim they are not sure they are happy they survived; they think they would be better off dead because of all the chaos surrounding them. Others, in the exact same situation, have vowed to press on and overcome the challenges from this situation.

In life we all have this same choice. When tragedies happen do not let them take you over, but rise above them. That is what separates the successful from the unsuccessful. The drive to keep going no matter what is in their way.

Motivation

Black History Month is very inspiring. We look back at many individuals who have done great things. Along with what those people have done, we also marvel at what they overcame to reach their success. Booker T. Washington once stated:

I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has had to overcome while trying to succeed.

Black people have a strong rich history. This is not just because of what we have done, but also because of what we have endured. As we are ending another Black History Month and are celebrating the accomplishments of others ask yourself, “What will my accomplishment be?” All of these great people have one thing in common; they were just regular people like us. So just as they did great things, so can you! Once you make goals for your life, understand that difficulties will come. But if you just work hard you will come out on top. Not only will you be successful, but you will appreciate it more because of what you went through to get it.