You can’t possibly be human and not be affected by what has happened this past week in Japan. When I first heard the news, I was shocked. It was 2 a.m. and I couldn’t sleep and saw Rumi Neely, a well known style blogger, tweet that she was shooting with Nylon Japan and there had been an earthquake. At the time I had no idea that I was going to eventually fall asleep and wake up to the shocking and devastating situation that we all did on March 11. The pictures are riveting. The videos are heartbreaking. A country that is more prepared for something like this than probably any other nation in the world was completely blindsided and my heart goes out to them. I don’t know about you guys, but it was really difficult that day to see everything flood the internet and just be sitting at work feeling so helpless. I almost resented all of the non-Japan related tweets because I didn’t get how people could have anything else to say – I know I was completely speechless.

Unfortunately for Japan the madness still isn’t over. I’ve heard stories about how the aftershocks have been stronger than lots of earthquakes that would be headliners here in the states. They’re still experiencing the effects and will be for a long time. Not to mention, the potential nuclear crisis at hand. One thing you’ll notice about tragedies is that people can make such a huge difference. Look at what happened in Haiti and how so many people used their fame and platforms to make a difference. I am hoping that the same will happen for Japan. I would love to see an outpouring of love and help for a country that may not recover from this for a long time.

As I mentioned before, Rumi Neely was in Japan when this happened. Tonight she posted a firsthand account of her experience and what she saw. On top of being there by herself, she’s half Japanese and has family that lives in Tokyo so this hits very close to home with her as it does so many others who have family in Japan. I can’t quite imagine what it would’ve been like to be in her shoes that day. I’ve never done this before, but I am seriously encouraging everyone to read her post. It’s moving and a gripping first hand account of what she saw. It’s not often that you see fashion bloggers get real, and seeing that side of people is really amazing to me.

So why am I writing this? Because something about this situation has totally gripped my heart and I feel like I need to spread this message. Let’s face it – everyone who isn’t in Japan or directly affected by it will move on with their lives and catch up on the situation when they see something in the news. I encourage everyone who reads this to do something. Anything. Donate $10 – you can really go without Starbucks this week, I promise. Donate your time. Donate clothes… I don’t know. Just do something. In this world we all get so caught up in ourselves and our own problems, but it’s times like these where we need to take a step back and think about what it’d be like to be in their shoes. The good news is that social media and the internet have helped make a huge difference in these situations. Here are some ways you can help without even leaving your house:

1. Donate via Causes on Facebook

2. Buy virtual goods on Facebook games

3. Like this page on Facebook so that explore.com donates $1 for every like

4. Donate via iTunes to the American Red Cross

5. Donate via Shelter Box USA here

If you’re a blogger, or just a casual reader I encourage you to re-post and share this. The more people the better – Japan needs it.

Lots to be thankful for this week, hope you guys have a blessed one.