AVOIDING ROCK BOTTOM WHEN HIT WITH THE UNEXPECTED

Mother Nature is a mystery that keeps us on our toes. It is impossible to prepare for some of the curve-balls weather throws at us and even harder to cope through the damage it can cause. It is crucial when the unpredictable hits us that we find healthy ways to survive the ruin rather than falling into drugs and alcohol as a crutch. 

The past couple years seemed to hit us hard when it comes to natural disasters and weather at an extreme. Louisiana was hit with one of the most catastrophic hurricanes of our time. Earthquake’s rattled buildings to the ground in Haiti, Costa Rica and Cuba with unthinkable death tolls and 49 of the 50 US States saw snow this winter. California, a state known for earthquakes has been on tornado watch on many occasions as of late. The recent 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan caused countless dollars in damage and over 3,000 deaths, as a human race we are stricken with unmanageable feelings and compassion for those directly affected in the damage. 

All of these are unpredictable and bear a heavier emotional weight than the news broadcasts. Depression is one of the leading causes of alcohol and drug addiction and many people may slip into the trap when catastrophe strikes. 

The United States has shown great efforts in stepping up to help our Japanese allies in their greatest time of need. We have sent troops, public officials, law enforcement and firefighters to aid in search and rescue, debris cleanup and healthcare. Charities have sprung up across the world to send funds their way in hopes to rebuild a more beautiful and stronger country that once was. 

These are the ‘crutches’ we should lean on in unpredictable tragedy. Come together to help those in need—give hope back to the lost and feel good about yourself in the process.
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RECOVERY FOR JAPAN

“When things are bad, we take comfort in the thought that they could always be worse. And when they are, we find hope in the thought that things are so bad they have to get better.”

As human beings it’s easy to get caught up in our everyday lives where incidents like receiving a speeding ticket or breaking up with your boyfriend or girlfriend seem like the worst things in the world—like your life is unfair. 

Unfortunately it takes tragic events as the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan for us to realize that things “could always be worse.” 

The very small country of Japan just endured an 8.9 magnitude earthquake resulting in a catastrophic tsunami with a current death count of 13,000+ people and towns transformed into debris.

“And when they are, we find hope in the thought that things are so bad they have to get better.” 

The Japanese need our help and there are so many ways we can provide it. We wanted to provide an easy link to charities and relief funds in place to help Japan rebuild from the devastating events. Below is a list of just that: 

• The American Red Cross has set up a special designation for disaster relief efforts in Japan. To donate, click here, or text REDCROSS to 90999 to instantly donate $10.
• International Medical Corps says it is putting together relief teams and supplies to aid Japan “and other affected countries.” Donate here. 
• GlobalGiving’s Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund. 
•  World Vision’s Disaster Response Fund. 
• Click here to donate to AmeriCares’ emergency relief response. 
• Save the Children’s Japan Earthquake Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund. 

Also, if you are personally effected by this tragedy, Google is here to help! Google's Crisis Response Center /Person Finder. 

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