For those people who lost friends and loved ones in the September 11^th 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