5 THINGS THAT AMERICANS CAN DO TO ‘REMEMBER’

Reviving, surviving and thriving in the wake of September 11th

We lose things quite frequently, be it a set of keys, a matching sock, or the electric bill. When we experience this type of loss, it’s easy to chalk it up as something that “just happens” and move on. But when our losses are catastrophic, like when we lose a job or a loved one dies, the sudden change can be overwhelming and we can become paralyzed by grief. How do we begin the journey of healing from our loss and carving out a new chapter in our life?

For those people who lost friends and loved ones in the September 11th World Trade Center attacks, the anniversary will re-open the wounds and renew the pain of great loss. For the rest of us, it is a painful reminder of our vulnerability. The anniversary renews our grief for the loss of security and innocence we enjoyed in peaceful times.

How do we experience the anniversary of our greatest national disaster in a positive way?

1. Talk about it with others. How far have we come? What have we learned? How are we feeling… as a country, and as individuals?

2. Honor those we knew and loved who lost their lives. Write about them, look at the pictures again, and talk about them. Keep their memories alive openly.

3. Be with your supporters, at home and away. Reconnect with the positive people in your life. Sharing with others always makes the burden lighter.

4. Take care of yourself, physically and emotionally. Do physical exercise… breath deeply and live fully. Do something you always wanted to do. Take a long walk.

5. Turn your most negative experience to a positive, by giving to others. It is through giving that you will receive so much more in return. By helping others, anger and pain are transformed into power; the power to make our world better in the wake of crisis.

Cheryl Perlitz ~ 2004 All Rights Reserved