I really didn’t do this on purpose but today being 11 September 2013 (12 years after that fateful day) is a perfect follow-on or continuation to our “what’s your story” series. That day was one of THE most eventful and significant days in American history (and probably in  World history too) at least since Pearl Harbor.  Yet I’m a bit disturbed. I’m writing this about 3 a.m. and looking at the various news services on the internet, IF they cover 9/11 at all, it’s buried and not prominent. This is bad in my opinion. It’s also a sign of the times. Since it happened 12 years ago and there has not been another event of its nature, people forget that it happened and also tend to sweep its significance under the table.  Why do we do that? I don’t know but it appears to be very difficult for people to remember what happened yesterday or last week, let alone 12 years ago.  I don’t really think it’s denial – that they hope that by ignoring it, the threat won’t be there or that it never really happened.  I think it’s just similar to that instant gratification syndrome we have. Unless it stays right in your face, you move on – there’s so much external stimuli now, that that kind of behavior is protective in a way. But please do not forget it. Take that moment of silence (it IS just a moment after all) at 8:46 a.m. Eastern time.

What’s your story surrounding September 11th? How do you remember it? It was a horrible day but it also has many positive spins and those are what we should focus on – it’s not sacrilegious to look for the positive. It’s a great way of remembering and celebrating. You can apply this to any aspect of your life and you could start today.

Where were you at 8:46 Eastern time on that day. I know exactly where I was and I know what happened and the thoughts that went through my mind. After we found out the story, my mind has created a montage of scenes, TV views, feelings, thoughts, fears, etc surrounding that day. I think that Alan Jackson’s song “Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning” captures the lives of almost everyone in every possible scenario. But I didn’t let fear encompass me and paralyze me. It was tempting and perhaps the fear took over a bit that first night but after that, while stuck in Chicago trying to find a way to get out, I tried to focus on the good stories that were coming out of the event. I developed a closeness to people I never expected to. I began to cherish more aspects of my life than I had before.

I will tell you that the most significant and emotional part of the entire time was my running in the New York City Marathon 6 weeks after the attack. And if I had to pick one memory from the time I would pick that. I ran that entire 26.2 miles with my eyes filled with  tears. I will always remember the woman on the side of the road who offered us candy and told us she had been on the 84th floor of one of the towers. She was out there supporting us, New York, America and herself that day. She was making a positive story and changing her vibrations. Finishing that marathon was technically no big deal – I had done alot of marathons before that one but crossing the finish line  that day was significant for me and represented all that I stood for in my life and in my career. I accomplished a small feat that day and the United States had accomplished a much bigger feat by demonstrating its resilience in the weeks, months and years following that day.

You can continue to be horrified by an event or you can see what good came from it. I could write for days about the good that came from that day’s happenings but what I really want is for you to look at your own story about 9/11 and see if you can tell a different one. Go back and read yesterday’s post if need to see the benefits for changing your story. Try it today.

Terrie