Chile: Wise Words and Ways to Help

A recent interview with Isabel Allende appeared on Gadling in which she spoke of the devastation in her home country, Chile. When asked what message she’d like to give to Americans reading her interview, she said:

There is no safety in the world, as anyone who is not a spoiled idiot knows. Relax. You are not in control. Bad things happen. Good things happen. We can lose everything material in an instant but we can always start again from scratch. Human resilience is astounding. Fear is useless; an open heart works much better. Breathe, love, give, rejoice, share, know your neighbor, and don’t waste time in pettiness. Sorry, I sound like a preacher, but this is the lesson I am learning this week in my devastated and beloved country.

So many life lessons in such a short paragraph. Does it take tragedy to reveal them so clearly? We tend to hide these simple truths in our self-made overly-complex everyday lives. Take a moment to reintroduce yourself.

Fear is useless. You are stronger than you know.

Donate to provide relief to Chile

• Un Techo para Chile. Supports rebuilding of Chilean infrastructure and recommended by Isabel Allende.
• Habitat for Humanity. Text CHILE to 25383
• Salvation Army. Text CHILE to 52000
• UNICEF. Text YOUTH to 20222
• World Vision. Text CHILE to 20222