LET'S REMEMBER THE GOOD OF THIS TRAGIC DAY
Martha Finney
Helping Great Leaders Move The World: Platform development and publishing consultant; author of 30 books on leadership
All across the United States -- and likely around the world -- our collective thoughts are turning to the 9/11 tragedy that took place 18 years ago. We all have our own personal, respective frames of reference. For me as a workplace expert, I always hold in my heart that most of our people died at work.
On tv's all around the planet, two jets will be repeatedly flying into two Twin Towers, creating massive balls of fire and then huge cloud plumes as they come tumbling down. Over and over again, all day long, brains will be reliving that day.
Because of some research on healing at work for a project that I'm doing with Susan J. Schmitt, I'm learning a lot about neuroplasticity and the fact that our brains see what's on tv and read the events as new and real. Every single time. We are, in fact retraumatizing ourselves over and over again. This is one form of ROI I'm thinking the terrorists didn't count on when laying down their plans. 18 years of relived trauma, all around the world.
This year, I'm starting a new tradition. Maybe you'd like to join me: I am focusing on the wonderful story of the people of Gander, Newfoundland. This small town doubled its population size overnight when it took in 7,000 stranded passengers from over 30 jets that landed in its airport, one right after the other, as airspace over North America was shut down. And then they sheltered, fed, embraced these 7,000 strangers day after day after day. Until 5 days later, the travelers gradually boarded their planes and flew home. Returning the town to its original size, and bereft of the joy it experienced taking care of all these people (and their pets, thanks to the local ASPCA).
One townsperson said, "On Day 1 we welcomed strangers; on Day 3 we embraced friends; on Day 5 we lost family members."
Instead of exposing our synapses to the images our hearts and brains already know so well, let's use this day to mark the best of humanity. And what good, everyday people can do to bring joy, relieve pain, and restore hope to thousands of people that week, and millions of people year after year who draw inspiration from their example.
Here's a link to a wonderful documentary, if you want to learn more about the day the world came to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland.
Creating cool and engaging learning materials for international audiences
5 年Thank you thank you for this.??
Freelance Writer / Short Story Author / Children's Books Writer / Poet
5 年That day will be forever seared into my mind with thoughts of running from the Pentagon to safety. I try to focus on people quickly helping each other through the hallways and out the doors. Thank you for your beautiful message. I appreciated your insightful writing.
“To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. That is to have succeeded.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
5 年Thank you! I do know the good that came out of it is that people realized their super human strength and bravery as they helped people escape and be rescued. My kid's father was in the second tower that fell and his coworker rescued a bunch of people. My kid's father was lucky to get out alive as were many others!
Publicity Manager and Partner at Monteiro & Company and an experienced environmental sustainability advocate
5 年I wound up reporting on the attacks, going downtown that day and for the rest of that week, and later from a distance.?Lots of people showed their courage and humanity those days and afterwards. I will always remember that.?Did you see the play Come from Away?
Coaching women on becoming the best version of themselves
5 年Seeing the movie tonight!