Personal Strategies for Approaching the September 11th 20 Year Remembrance
August 23, 2021 - As we approach the remembrance of September 11, 2001, many of us will begin to plan how we’ll recognize this day. Remembrances offer an opportunity to acknowledge our memories and experiences, to connect with others who share in them, and to pay tribute to our individual and collective journeys.
As we approach the remembrance of September 11th, many of us will begin to plan how we’ll recognize this day. Remembrances offer an opportunity to acknowledge our memories and experiences, to connect with others who share in them, and to pay tribute to our individual and collective journeys. They can also serve as personal and professional milestones of our healing and resiliency. For some, September 11th will be marked with private personal gestures such as observing a moment of silence, spending quiet time reflecting, or dedicating our flying to our profession. For others, it will be marked with collective activities such as ceremonies and memorial services.
There is no right way or better way to recognize the remembrance; but, there are some suggestions that may prove helpful as we approach the remembrance of September 11th.
- Observe the remembrance in a way that’s comfortable for you. Say no to events or activities that you sense may flood you with too many feelings. Find more gentle ways of honoring the remembrance.
- Don’t compare yourself to how others around you appear to be dealing with the September 11th remembrance.
- Acknowledge that we all heal at different rates, in different ways, and with different outcomes.
- Give yourself permission and time to be affected. Though uncomfortable, anticipate and plan for having a stress reaction as the remembrance approaches. Trust that if you have moments of difficulty, you’ll be able to pull yourself back together.
- Try not to isolate yourself. Pre-plan now to be with people if you know you have this tendency.
However you choose to structure your day this September 11th or however it just naturally unfolds, please remember that your AFA EAP committee representatives welcome being a part of it. If you or a flying partner needs a confidential ear, please call us at 1-844-232-2228 or find your local EAP representatives’ contact information at www.afacwa.org. Remember, we’re just a phone call away.
