9/11 Changed Me Forever

9/11 Changed Me Forever

Today, 19 years ago, our lives were changed.  The world stood still while horrible acts were committed against the United States as two hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center in 2001.  The first act was at 8:46 a.m. and the second 9:03 a.m.  Also, there were two other crashes at the Pentagon and in the woods in Pennsylvania.

I often wonder if people just forget all about 9/11 and the acts of terrorism that took place that literally rocked our world.  I had many friends that were directly impacted by 9/11.  A few of my friends deal with anxiety in their current lives with post-traumatic stress disorder.  I know it changed me forever for the positive and altered my way of thinking.

The terrorist attacks that happened 19 years ago did alter my mindset, even to this day.  I know how viewing the plane crashes into the World Trade Center on live television truly rattled me.  It was an uneasy feeling knowing that those crashes ended so many lives.  I remember that the video clip of the Twin Towers on 9/11 was played continuously and how it made me feel.  This changed my mindset in that I need to be considerate of everyone’s feelings when it comes to sensitive subject material.

9/11 did change my outlook on life and how to treat others.  The most profound learning lesson from the terrorist attacks is two-fold, the amount of kindness and lack of compassion we have in the United States.  After 9/11, there was an influx of patriotism as we rekindled our sense of pride in being American.  You saw American Flags at every turn.  The kindness that we all showed our police officers, firefighters, paramedics, nurses, doctors, our military and everyday Americans that turned into real-life heroes.  That kindness was heart-warming.

However, the terrorist attacks also displayed how unkind some of our citizens can be as well.  I recall my heart aching for my Muslim friends that were verbally and physically attacked after 9/11.  That was an excellent lesson for me, that when people show you who they are, believe them.  I distanced myself from family and friends that were on the “hate” bandwagon.  I have kept that same mantra and energy in recognizing those types of people and staying clear of their agendas and hatred.

Let’s all try our best to remember the kindness that we showed each other during a time.  Kindness can go a long way in the world.  It most certainly can take you farther than hate.