Monday, September 12, 2011

Observing 9/11: Did You Reflect On Your Last 10 Years?


We have lived through the 10th anniversary of September 11,2001, and saw the nation reflect on the tragic loss of life in New York City, at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania. Living in New York City I found myself having more questions about that day, as well as more emotions than I had imagined that I would feel.

I heard so many of those who had lost loved ones say that 9/11 seemed like yesterday. I knew what they meant because although my own Father died 20 years ago next month, it still feels like I just saw him.

So along with mourning I decided to take some time, to stop, and to sit back to do a mental review of my own life over the past 10 years. I had been working on writing DON'T RETIRE, REWIRE! on the morning the towers fell. The first edition of the book came out in 2002 and I became immersed in promoting it across the country. Having others discover their future happiness, helping them rewire became my goal, in a way my obsession. I think a lot of that passion was driven by the 9/11 tragedy, and the reality of the random loss of life, and the fear that it could happen to any of us.

I went year-by-year since 9/11, reflecting on ups and downs, decisions made, decisions not made,and took the time to think of cherished moments. I realized how many things occurred in those 10 years that were out of my control, and how many were in my control and that I had squandered.

One of my biggest take-aways was how quickly those 10 years really did pass.

So going forward I promised myself that I will not assume that I have all the time in the world to accomplish what I feel is important to me.

I will not throw away my time even if life is frustrating.

I will not find scapegoats for why I didn't do something.

I will create my "bucket list" even though I hate the word.

I will "Keep Calm and Carry On" and read books about my hero, Winston Churchill.

I will continue to add to this list, and live each day as if it were my last.