Changing your perspective

A few weeks ago there was this huge blackout in Brazil, caused by a technical problem in Itaipu dam, the second-largest hydroelectric power producer in the world (Yahoo news here).

It was very weird and a bit scary to realize how dependent we are on eletricity. For hours there was no TV, no radio, no computer. Some cellphones weren't working and despite my notebook being ok, it seemed useless without internet.

I was at home when it happened and I prayed for those people who were out of their homes at that time. I imagine how many of them were in the subway, in the elevator, at the office, alone on the street. I remembered people in hospital and all kinds of situation in which people are highly dependant on electricity.

I took that time to think and I realized we should be always ready to live with little, even though the media keeps saying we need more and more, in this endless consumption world.

I remember the day after the blackout some people would complain about missing a TV show, or not being comfortable without air-conditioning.

But I could only think we should always be grateful for what we have, even though sometimes it seems to be difficult.  So my suggestion is whenever thinking we don't have enough, take a few minutes to look around and notice people in real need.