Even in Tragedy: The Power of Positive Triggers

Even in Tragedy: The Power of Positive Triggers

You know my “Sticker Story” (Read it here if you don’t.)  You understand the power of positive emotion: It can help you in most every circumstance in life, even in tragedy.

A Brave Example

In a New York Times article, “Survivors In China Sift Rubble for the Past,” Edward Wong wrote about the survivors of the Chinese earthquake and how they were trying to piece their lives back together.  He wrote:

Sang Yuping spreads out a half-dozen photographs on a mattress in the tent that was given to her by the government.  Across the road lie the remains of her one-story home.  Long wooden planks protrude from the pile at every angle like whale bones.

There on the mattress is a photo of her daughter, her son and his wife.  It is April. They are smiling and dressed in Tibetan robes and dancing at a festival at a primary school here, weeks before the school is to collapse and kill most of the children inside.

“This is the thing I was happiest to see,” said Ms. Sang, 54, a corn and soybean farmer.  “I lost everything in the earthquake, and when I found these photos, I felt better.  Because from these photos, I can see what life was like before the earthquake.”

She added, “I look at these photos when I’m sad.”

In the aftermath of a horrific tragedy that no one should ever have to face, Sang Yuping teaches us again about the power of what I call “Positive Triggers.”  Her brave example reminds us that there is always something available to us to help give us courage and lift our spirits.

What Are Your Positive Triggers?

What positive triggers do you have available to you to help you make it through the worst of times and to thrive during the best of times?  Use Positive Triggers everyday to help you live your best possible life.

My prayers are with Sang Yuping and with all those that are suffering around the world.

Comments

[David J. Pollay]

Hi Missi!

I’m glad you stumbled across us. And I love the reminder about cats. What an inspiring image for us all to remember. A difficult time may come, but we will still land on our feet when it does.

Thanks for sharing!

Best to you,
David

[David J. Pollay]

Hi Lil!

Good for your family member! And how great that you observed it and appreciated it!

Best to you,
David

[David J. Pollay]

Hi Tamara,

How wonderful that you have people in your life that love you so much. Simply knowing that is a positive trigger. And then talking to them is really special.

And both you and Dey are so right about how difficult times do come, but they are only temporary. Your example is wonderful.

Best to you,
David

[David J. Pollay]

Dey,

What a beautiful post. And what a wonderful collection of memories you have represented in your jar. Your rocks sure are a positive trigger, and your use of them is awesome.

Best to you,

David

[Missi]

Hi David

Wonderful post. Im glad I stumbled across it in my travels thismorning. At my worst moments I just remember that pussycats always land on their feet. It just helps remind me that its only be a matter of time dealing with things before everything will be ok again

[Patricia - Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker]

I know that whatever happens in my life has blessings that come out of those experiences. When something bad happens, I always look for the blessing. The blessing is my gift from God that makes the pain and suffering easier to handle.

[Tamara]

Good Morning David,

I really like what "Dey" said in his post, "...it makes the road a road, not a destination..."
When I am in that painful place, it feels like I will always be there or that I have never left it which luckily does not happen often. I call my support people who remind me that I've been there before and it will not be forever. That's all it takes to get me thinking and then taking action towards something positive. Thanks as always for your stories.

[Dey]

Hi David...

I guess I am blessed. I have had the opportunity to visit 68 countries (actually today we can count 71 since some of them have split after I visited them).

In each trip I pick a small rock from a special moment. I do not have the 68, but I have more than 50... I have them in a glass jar.

When I need to cheer myself up. I take the jar and move it to produce sound. It takes me to so many places and once. In that very instant I remember my life has been defnitely blessed and like by magic, I do start to feel better. That does not mean that I forget what is happening to me, it does not make me less hurt, or sad. It just focus me that whatever is happening is temporary. It makes the road a road, not a destination in the feelings I am having at that time.

I guess these are my possitive triggers... My rocks.