Motivational Monday: Mother Nature's Fury

Hey there gang.  Monday is here, and another motivational Monday is here as well.

For those of you on the east coast and in Canada, my heart goes out to you.  Just experienced Hurricane Irene (Tropical Storm Irene once it hit my neck of the woods, in Southern Vermont), and in the process we lost power, a few neighbors lost their homes, some animals were lost and a man was trapped inside his home and both were washed down the river.

My prayers and thoughts are with those without power, homes, or loved ones and their families.  May you all be well taken care of.

It was something to witness, the power of nature.  Vermont got pummeled (as I'm sure other places did as well), and everyone was quite taken aback by the sheer awesome power of the flooding.

Below is a photo of how much power there was in the water (keep in mind that this wasn't even the strongest the water flowed yesterday):

Here is a video of an historic bridge in Bartonsville, Vermont (originally recorded by a friend of a friend) that was taken away by the river.

Here is the video

Yet despite all this destruction, there was a lot of hope within everyone's eyes.  We were all shocked, to be sure, but people were walking around helping others where they could, offering advice where it was needed, and even car spaces without a second thought.  It was truly beautiful to witness that despite all that Mother Nature tore down, it re-kindled the feelings of hope, of unity, and of courage.

Yesterday, I took thanks and appreciated the fact that, despite not having power, everyone of my family and friends are safe and sound.  I was grateful for a roof over my head; for cool water to quench my thirst; for my home to be in one piece.  And I was thankful that we were willing and able to help those who were not so fortunate, no matter how small the help was.

So today, my Motivational Monday is not some fancy quote or some odd poem written by someone long since gone.  It is dedicated to you, the people who have taken this natural disaster and have decided to help those who need help, who are not willing to stay down, and are willing to re-build despite almost all hope being lost.

Today, my Motivational Monday is dedicated to the Human Spirit.  May this bright flame, that shines brighter than than any lightbulb or solar flare, shine forever.

Keep on shining everyone.  Shine as brightly as you can.