Changing September 11th by Chezon Jackson

Changing September 11th by Chezon Jackson
Posted with permission of the author

Five years ago today, we awoke to the media flashing dreadful images of horror hitting our country.

I remember feeling locked in the helpless/hopeless fear the media’s images permeated.

Even now, every time I hear their recap, it feels as if “evil” is winning again.

On the one year anniversary of September 11th, I decided to move these motivational emails from the few forwards to friends to a web environment that could ultimately affect the world.  I was, and am, confident each time a positive email is sent, each time a genuine smile is offered, each focused optimistic extension saturates the future with positive energy.

This inspirational newsletter is a “part-time” job for me. I am devoted to motivating the world, equally if not more diligently than any “terrorist”. Instead of focusing on the damage that happened that day, I choose to focus on growth. On that day, I was amazed at the number of individuals, social workers, firefighters, police officials, neighbors and “strangers” that ran to the aid of their fellow citizens.  When in actuality, those same “heroes” were heroes the day before. Only uncelebrated. Only un-acknowledged. The
same way we were citizens the day before, only we hadn’t realized how much we needed each other; how inter-and inner-connected we all are.

During the time I spend searching for more motivation, I am constantly reminding myself that the only way we will change the world is if we change the world. Simple statement, yes. But it won’t be done until we do it.  Until we take a stand, demand better for ourselves, for each other. We can’t wait for a government official to want better for us, we have to demand it and then stay on top until it happens. Stay on top of maintaining it.  We have to remember that wanting better for ourselves includes our health – mental,
emotional and physical.  We have to want better for our environment – our immediate neighborhoods, our state, our country, our Earth. We have to insist that our best interests are kept in mind, by our loved ones, our employers, our government, our society.

We have to remember that  September 11th isn’t an anniversary to remember plans or planes crashing. September 11th is the day to remember that love prevails, despite death, hatred and hard times. A day to remember we are strong. A day to remind ourselves that we are growing stronger. September 11th , like every day, is a day of choice. A day to continue fighting for your right for happiness, for your dreams, for your family, for yourself. We are worth it.

- Chezon Jackson
http://groups.yahoo.com/subscribe/WithInSight/

I encourage you to spread the word to family and friends that we may bring inspiration into the lives of many! If you are not on the list and this has been passed along to you, join us by sending a blank email to: WithInSight-subscribe@yahoogroups.com