Today is Patriot Day, an annual observance held in remembrance of the nearly 3,000 people who were injured or died in 2001 during the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington DC, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. On the direction of the President, U.S. flags are flown at half-mast as a mark of respect to those who died. Many people also observe a moment of silence at 8:46 AM (Eastern Daylight Time), the time that the first plane flew into the World Trade Center. Some communities hold special services, memorials, vigils, or prayer meetings as well. Winn Claybaugh, author of Be Nice (Or Else!), reminds us of the many individuals who were in the towers or on a plane that day and suddenly knew they had a brief chance to make a final phone call. They didnt call an old enemy to fight it out one more time, he says. They called someone they loved – most often someone theyd had a lifetime, family relationship with – and they had just one message: I love you. That was it. Nothing else mattered, and nothing more needed to be said. TODAYS CHALLENGE: In honor of those who lost their lives on September 11, take out your phone and call someone to say I love you, forgive someone, or let go of an old hurt. This year, instead of simply recounting where you were when the towers fell, honor those whose lives were forever changed and learn something from their last moments. Instead of reigniting the anger or hurt felt by many that day, reignite the love and compassion expressed by the victims during that final call. So, are you wondering what todays challenge has to do with health? Positive relationships – whether they’re with family, friends, or coworkers – are enormously important for your health and general peace of mind. All the push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups in the world wont eliminate the negative, stressful effects caused by carrying a grudge, nursing old wounds, or leaving important words unsaid. Maybe your forgiveness muscles are a little tight – loosen ‘em up and let it go. Sure, it may be uncomfortable at first – but, just like a new workout plan, the initial discomfort will give way to rewarding results before you know it. . Dont let a little discomfort stand in your way. Pick up the phone and call someone. Note – today is also an important day to remember to thank our service men and women for protecting and serving us for the past 13 years following the attacks.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 16:54:47 +0000
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