Let's pause and appreciate life.

So much has been happening in the world around me that, finally, I have taken the time to sit down and actually think my life through. It's quite sad how many people cry and whimper over the little things in life. "Oh no, I lost my earring" is the phrase that I've actually used today, but what is an earring compared to losing your house? I get so devastated every time I hear the news about the diaster in Japan. Imagine having your entire life gone in the blink of an eye. But the thing that makes me wonder even more is the fact that, if my life were to end any minute, could I tell myself that I felt accomplished? That I felt happy? That I told the people around me how much I love them. Of course all of this sounds so cliche, just like the saying "Live your life to the fullest".
Growing up, my mother always pestered me to keep thanking God for giving me a healthy body, giving me a roof over my head, giving me enough food that I can be satiated with. Yet, I never took any of that into account until I grew older. I am so thankful for everything that I have in life right now, EVERYTHING. I have a nasty habit of getting mad at the littlest incidents and then pouting over it for another day or two. But, there are SO many people in this world who would kill to have even a slice of my life. And here I am, crying over a lost earring.
I've developed a new goal for myself. I want to help with the poverty in this world. I don't care what country, I don't care what age, I just want to do something about it. For now, I want to try to help with the diaster in Japan and later, possibly help with the hunger issues in the world. We consume so much food and not once do we think that, even a piece of bread, we could be doing something to help the less fortunate.
I am so thankful for all that my mother has taught me and the values that she raised me with. I just wish I would have realized sooner how much I actually take life for granted. From now on, no more whining and crying over the little things in life.

And God bless all the people in Japan. My prayers are with all the families who have so much courage and strength for being able to go through with this.