If there was a day to choose to stop and reflect, and ponder about life for a while, today could be a day to do it. This marks the 10th anniversary of what's now universally and infamously known as "9/11". Do you remember where you were when you first heard news about it? I remember being in my car as news about the first plane came on the radio. I thought at first, it must have been a terrible accident, until I switched on the TV and watched in stunned disbelief as the horrific events unfolded.
I've found myself reflecting a lot on that day over the past week or so in particular, and watched some of the documentary footage on TV. Listening to the accounts of relatives, friends, neighbours, colleagues left behind, it made me realize again how powerful the human spirit is especially in the face of suffering and adversity, and often what looks like insurmountable challenges. I'm sure you'll join me send healing thoughts that go out to all those directly and indirectly affected by the events that day.
It's often the very worst events and experiences in life that brings out the very best in us, and has us realise how fortunate we are. It doesn't have to be that way. We can do it every day. All we have to do is focus on all the good in our lives. Be grateful.
Last week I learned that about 70% of the World population earn less than $2 a day! I also learned that a survey revealed about 63% of Americans believe their best years are behind them, 70% in Italy and Germany, and 80% in France. My question is, "what are they focusing on?" I appreciate that I can't know all the reasons for that mind-set, but I do know that in many cases it's just that.
Think about this. A person born in 1910 would have been 19 years old at the start of the Great Depression of 1929. Few jobs, little money or prospects, food stamps. Fast forward 10 years to 29 years old and the beginning of World War II . Think about your life experience at age 19 and 29? Sometimes circumstances challenge us and offer us the opportunity to really grow. I can't imagine how hard the personal struggle must have been living in those times at the prime of life.
A final thought. I just re-ordered a book I read many years ago. I looked for my original copy after hearing someone mention it, but couldn't find it. It's titled "Man's Search For Meaning" by Viktor Frankl. If you really want a strong sense of perspective about your life, read this book. Dr. Frankl was a Jewish Psychiatrist who was imprisoned in Auschwitz and survived. His whole family was wiped out. He managed to survive using his mind and thoughts to create a compelling future. If it can be done in those circumstances, isn't it reasonable to believe we can create one for ourselves and those near and dear to us?
I know this might read like a heavy duty blog-post today, but it's intended to have you just reflect and contrast your challenges against some of these.
Be grateful for all that's good in your life. Believe that you can create your own internal reality with your thoughts and mind. Say "thank you" daily and focus on that proverbial glass being half full. On a day like 9/11, that's possibly the very least we can do.
The link below will take you to a 40minute video that is well worth watching and teaches a strong lesson on what's possible when we get in touch with the essence of the human spirit.
