I’ve been enlightened and uplifted by many articles and TV specials commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
It’s important and appropriate that we pause to honor with reverence and gratitude the lives lost and mangled and the noble efforts of those who struggled mightily to rescue them.
We should learn the lesson that life is fragile. We’re all vulnerable, not merely to terrorism, but to various sudden external forces, from car collisions to cancer. This reminder should not make us fearful or insecure; rather, it should inspire gratitude for every precious moment of life.
We should also be reminded that 9/11 brought out the best in us – compassion, empathy, charity, and a sense of unity.
In another week, however, I suspect our memories and feelings about this catastrophe will, once again, become more muted and less painful. That’s how it should be.
Life-changing tragic events dot the lives of all of us – the death of a loved one, the end of a marriage, the loss of a home or business. How we cope with these calamities often determines the quality of our lives.
We must not be imprisoned by anxiety or grief by events like 9/11. It’s not healthy or helpful to repeatedly re-experience the pain of old wounds. Self-inflicted suffering is pointless and damaging.
We shouldn’t forget what happened but we are entitled to live happy lives, and that requires us to let go of the grief of terrible times and to move on.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.