The Unbroken Effect

By: Phil Zellers

I really don't have any new technology tips or tools to share with you this time but I do have a story to share related to our theme, "Be Brave."  Recently, I read a book about some truly incredible acts of bravery.  They are a source of inspiration and really put things into perspective for me.  Stories and books like this can have such an impact on the way we view the world.  The book, Unbroken, was also recently made into a movie, which I saw over the weekend.    

Louis Zamperini, whose life is detailed in the book Unbroken, was a 1936 Olympian and a shoe-in for making it to the 1940 Olympics.  Unfortunately, those Olympics, set to take place in Tokyo, Japan, never happened.  WWII happened instead and Louis joined the military.  The plane he was a bombardier on went down in the Pacific and he was lost at sea for 47 days (a record at the time).  When he and another survivor were discovered, unfortunately, it was by the Japanese.  Zamperini was then severely beaten and tortured for two years as a POW, all the while, refusing to sell out his country and give up valuable information.  The injuries he sustained as a POW meant he would never have a chance to be an Olympian again.  Zamperini suffered from PTSD for years but regained a footing in his life.  He even eventually went back to Japan and faced his captors, forgiving them.  He has also carried the Olympic torch in a number of Olympics, including the 1998 games held in Japan.  It's a remarkable story of bravery!

When thinking about our theme of the year "Be Brave," Zamperini stands out.  He faced so many struggles and with determination and courage, overcame them.  In the end, he had such a positive impact on so many people's live.  He is inspirational on so many levels.  The two lessons I take away from Zamperini's life are:  1) Don't give up no matter what the circumstances are and 2) Have the courage to do what you know is right, even if it's not the easy thing to do.  In the end, you can always have a positive influence on people.  I know that sounds cliche and simplified but you can't help but be inspired and moved by his story.  It makes me want to take advantage of the opportunities I have to be a positive influence.  If you're looking for a source of inspiration, I recommend reading Unbroken or at least seeing the movie.