Remembering 9/11: A Legacy of Service, Time, and Impact

Today, we honor the lives lost and the heroes who showed us the true meaning of courage, selflessness, and service on 9/11. It's a day that reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of how we spend our time and who we spend it with.

In our careers, as in life, we all leave behind a legacy that isn’t defined solely by the titles we’ve held but by the impact we’ve had on others. The relationships we nurture, the teams we lead, and the values we uphold are the markers of our true legacy.

As we reflect today on 9/11, let’s remember these words:

"Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it, you can never get it back." — Harvey Mackay

Let this be a reminder to spend our time wisely, investing not just in our work but in the people we love and those we serve.

Which brings me to ask you...

What would you do differently today if you knew you were seeing the people you love for the last time?

Take a moment to reflect: Would you slow down, be more present, and express your appreciation more openly? It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, but if today was the last time you saw someone important to you, would you offer them more of your attention? Would you forgive more easily or say “I love you” more often? Let this reflection guide your actions, not just today but every day, because the moments we share today may become the memories we cherish tomorrow.

To help ensure we don’t take time or the people in our lives for granted, here are two exercises you can try:

1. Daily Gratitude Check-In:

Take 5 minutes at the end of each day to reflect on your meaningful interactions with others. Ask yourself, "Did I show appreciation to the people who matter today?" This helps shift focus toward connection and gratitude.

2. The Time Audit:

Once a week, review how you spent your time and ask, "Did I spend enough time on things that truly matter?" If not, adjust your schedule to prioritize quality moments with loved ones, colleagues, or meaningful work.

The legacy we leave behind isn’t just about what we achieve but about the lives we touch and the difference we make.

Connect with me, and please leave a comment or reflect on what you would do differently. May we never forget and honor those that we lost on 9/11.

Pentagon Honors the Heroes and the Fallen in the 9/11 Attacks > U.S. Department of Defense > Defense Department News

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