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Greetings,
As we approach the anniversary of September
11th, many of us will begin to plan how we’ll
recognize this day. Anniversaries 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
anniversary; but, there are some suggestions that may prove
helpful as we approach the anniversary of September
11th. Ø
Observe the anniversary
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 anniversary. Ø
Don’t compare
yourself to how others around you appear to be dealing with the
September 11th anniversary. Ø
Acknowledge that we all
heal at different rates, in different ways, and with different
outcomes. Ø
Give yourself
permission and time to be affected. Though uncomfortable, anticipate and plan for
having a stress reaction as the anniversary approaches. Trust that if you have
moments of difficulty, you’ll be able to pull yourself
back together. Ø
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 or
e-mail us at (480) 966-1231 extension 27, eap@afa66.org. Remember, we’re just a phone call or e-mail
away.
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