9/11

As we think back on the tragic events and overwhelming loss of life on this day fourteen years ago, it is important that we focus on a few things. I don't want to rehash the anger or reiterate the somber sympathies, as for me that only serves to place me in that sad space as well. And I mean that with all due respect to those that still mourn the loss of lives in those tragedies.

However, I take my role as an artist and  blogger who looks to motivate, inspire and deposit into the lives of others things that are fruitful and edifying, extremely seriously.

With that I say life is so short, so it's imperative that we LIVE, FORGIVE and PROGRESS, maximizing whatever time we personally have left.

LIVE - there is someone that did not get the privalege of waking up this morning. You have. As someone that has received that privalege, it's important that you know that it wasn't a guarantee when you went to bed last night and your repayment for the privalege is to live your best life. Do what you love and long to do. Have a story to tell, live to leave a legacy of some kind and an imprint on the world in some positive way. This is how you honor those that no longer have the opportunity.

FORGIVE - I'm sure there have been poor decisions that you've made, bad choices that have negatively affected others and/or mistakes that you may not be proud of. However, in that, I'm sure that someone at some point forgave you; even if it was over time and not immediately. Or, if they did not,  you wish that they had. Well, why not sow a seed of forgiveness of your own? Again, those that tragically died in the attacks on 9/11 I'm sure included someone that didn't have the opportunity to forgive and move on. And this is not judgement, it's likely fact. So in the spirit of that opportunity that is lost to someone else, take advantage of yours. Forgiveness is the fastest way to be blessed. And it's an amazing expression of maturity. Exercise that today, be it a large or small transgression against you. I believe that in what measure you dole out forgiveness that is genuine, that same measure will be given to you when you need it the most.

PROGRESS - Forward movement is another way to honor those that are not here to continue their own journey. From those that lost their lives that day simply by being at work, to those that lost their lives trying to help and save others in those vicious attacks, their legacy is exactly that...a legacy. Due to the rebuilding of the site and honoring them in that build, the legacy was born. Well for us, we can honor them and any lost loved one by progressing ourselves. Working hard and applying ourselves to move forward in our own journeys. From baby steps to huge leaps, forward is forward, and your only competition in that forward movement is YOU. So don't look to the left or the right form comparisons, be compelled to look straight ahead.

Today my friends, take a minute to thank whomever it is that you believe in that you have, at least to date,  been spared. It's truly an honor. And you can repay that honor by choosing to LIVE, FORGIVE and PROGRESS.

~ O