Each day we wake up we have a choice.  Regardless of the physical or emotional factors that drive the rest of what is inside us, we have a choice on how we approach others.  Let me explain.

When you wake up in the morning you likely find yourself in one of many different emotional (and physical) states.  You may wake up dragging, looking for caffeine of some sort and just struggling to get the engine that is your body started.  Conversely, you may wake up energized and ready to take on whatever the day may bring.  I think the reality is that most of us fall somewhere in the middle and depending on the stage of life you are in it may lean toward one or the other.  And, this is where the choice begins. 

You have a choice to lead with kindness, compassion, and looking out for those around you.  You’ll notice the title of this post is a date.  Many of you that lived through it may know where I’m going with this, but if you don’t, stay with me for a little while.  That date is not the one that you would expect when thinking about the terrorist attacks on the United States, is it?  9/11 is hard to describe for some of us. I can tell you that for me the day itself was surreal, horrifying, and one of the hardest I’ve ever lived through.  I don’t think I’m alone in that.  But, then came 9/12. 

I often talk and write about keeping your eyes open to the good around you.  As blind as many of us (myself included) can be at times, it was virtually impossible to ignore on 9/12 and the days, weeks, months, and even few years that followed life was different.  People were different.  Families came together and helped each other.  Friends lifted each other up like never before.  And, complete strangers approached each other with a unity like we haven’t seen before and haven’t seen since.  What was meant to completely break us, in many ways, did the exact opposite.  So that brings me back to choice. 

You can argue that sometimes you just aren’t “feeling it”.  Sometimes people “annoy you”.  Sometimes those around us don’t deserve compassion, forgiveness, or the energy that can come with loving what some would label as Unlovable.   I get it.  I really do understand.  But, for a moment can you take yourself back to 9/12?  Or, can you take yourself to a time in life where you were able to actually see the good in spite of your physical or emotional state or what might be swirling around you?  Is it difficult?  YES!  Impossible? NO!

So, today as you finish reading this short message, I hope that you too can have a 9/12 mindset and that it carries you to a day filled with the happiness we all seek.  I know that will be the way I approach it!  Take care of yourself my friends.  Take care of those around you.  Life is hard enough without us loving ourselves and loving each other well!