We all have our own story about where we were, what we were doing, and how we heard the news of that horrible day, Sept. 11.
There already has been, and certainly will be, so much in the paper and on TV. There is much to learn from the events of Sept. 11, as well as important steps to take to prepare for this strange anniversary.
Here are some things we have learned, coupled with life tips on how to use what we have learned to deal with the anniversary and to live a better life as well.
1. Heroes are everyday people, just like you and me.
The heroes of Sept. 11, from the firefighters, police and rescue crews, to Todd Beamer and the passengers and crew of Flight 93, to the thousands of unsung heroes of that day, weresimply regular people who stepped up to the challenge at hand in a way that inspired a nation.
Who has been a hero to you in your life, and to whom can you be a hero? Many times, the most heroic acts are quiet, little gestures: an encouraging word, a gentle push in the right direction.
2. There is power in community
Terrorist attacks that were intended to break us apart, in fact, caused us to pull together in ways not seen in generations. On that day, we were all Americans, united in our shock, and more importantly, united in our resolve.
There is nothing noble or tough in going it all alone. Whatever challenges we face in life, there are others who have faced or are facing the very same challenges. Drawing on the support, experience, strength and wisdom of a community allows us to face challenges with a courage we never thought possible.
3. Children see things differently than we do as adults.
So many parents of younger children said the same thing: "Each time our kid saw the replay of the planes flying into the World Trade Center, they thought it was happening again and again in new places."
We live in a society that markets so well to children that we forget that one of our jobs as adults is to protect them. There are things they should not hear, things they should not see, things they should not know about.
We will have the opportunity to see replays of the attacks repeatedly these next few days. Talk with your children about what happened, what the first anniversary means. Then shield their eyes from things they don't need to see.
4. Certain events in life force us to focus on what really matters
Remember how we turned to family, friends and faith last year at this time? Remember how our perspective on what is really important radically shifted?
It's so easy to lose perspective, to major in the minor things of life, to really actually believe we should care and that it matters what so-and-so wore on TV last night. It doesn't. Keep a close watch on your perspective. Focus on what is important. Learn to catch yourself when you begin to major in minor things, and shift your focus back to what really matters in life.
5. What you believe matters
Remember the once popular saying: "It really doesn't matter what you believe, just as long as you are sincere." We've learned that what you believe does matter, because it affects how you see the world.
Pay attention to what you allow to reside in your thoughts, beliefs and your heart. Check out and question your prejudices.
6. Our tendency to forget is strong
As humans, it's so easy to forget, even something as powerful as the attacks of Sept. 11, how we pulled together as a country, the lessons learned.
Always remember.
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