So many times in life it’s easy to focus on what we don’t have or haven’t accomplished.
- I didn’t hit my time goal in that last race
- I don’t have my dream job
- I’m not as tall/pretty/smart/lucky as she is
- I can’t believe I ate all those cookies
- I’m so frustrated I haven’t had my baby yet (what? I’m just talking generic frustrations here)
Momentary self doubt or frustration about your station in life is normal, even healthy, in my opinion. It motivates you to set a goal, make a plan, reach for success and achieve it. However, sometimes a change in focus is necessary, too.
What about all the things that you already have- that you probably take for granted most of the time? I’m talking to myself here, too. If I take the time to sit down and take inventory… WOW. I have so much to be grateful for.
- Family. My incredible husband who I am still giddy about getting to spend the rest of my life with. My loving, close knit family that I was blessed to be raised in- both immediate and extended. The amazing family I married into. Can I tell you what a blessing it is to love your in-laws? Phew– I lucked out on that one!
- Friends. Those I’ve known since we had braces, to those I’ve recently gotten to know. People to lean on, that understand where you’re coming from. Friends that care enough to want to hear what you have to say, even if they don’t understand where you’re coming from. Old friends I may not talk to as often, but that brighten my day when I get a call or message from.
- Health. I try my hardest not to take this for granted, but I often do. I need to remind myself more often how blessed I am do have an able, working body and mind that allows me to hike mountains, speak with sarcasm, splash in the water, think for myself, curl up on the couch, laugh until I cry and grow a human life.
- Being an American. No matter how many times I roll my eyes at political policies I don’t agree with or worry about how entitled each new generation is getting, I love this country. I love that we all have the opportunity to make our lives what we want them to be with hard work and perseverance.
And speaking of the US…
10 years ago from this Sunday I know exactly where I was. I was beginning my senior year of high school. In fact, I was in the first class room on the left through the back doors of Sprayberry High School. I was in AP English. That’s when we heard the news that a plane had hit the World Trade Center.
We turned on the TV to try and learn more, but soon the bell rang and I wandered out in the hall with the rest of my classmates, not really knowing what was going on.
The ran up to the first person I saw (Hi Travis!) and told him what had happened. At that point we didn’t know what was going on… a freak accident?
But as we all know… it was no accident.
I remember how quiet everything seemed for the rest of the day. Classrooms set silent as we all stared at the TV, trying to understand. Some students were in the hallways crying or trying to call friends and family. I was pretty much frozen in disbelief.
10 years have passed since September 11, 2001, even though it seems like it was just yesterday. And although I remember the uncertainty and fear I felt that day and the weeks after, that’s not what I choose to remember.
Instead, I choose to remember the heroes that came running to the rescue of people they didn’t know. I choose to remember the way our country pulled together. I choose to remember all the people I am so lucky to have in my life and all the wonderful things I am blessed with. I choose to remember not to take life for granted, because you never know which day will be your last.
And sometimes remembering what you are grateful for is all it takes to gain some perspective. That yes, we all face frustrations and challenges, but stop for a moment this weekend and be thankful for what you do have. I know I will.
What are you grateful for?
Do you remember where you were 10 years ago this Sunday?
Jen says
Hang in there, girl! I’m hoping Baby D is on his or her way out.
Ugh, I vividly remember way too much from 9/11/01. I was a sophomore in college in SC and wanted to be home w/ my fam in NJ so badly. My dad was on a cross country flight from NJ-California and we couldn’t get in touch with him. My 85 year old (at the time) grandfather was the head engineer of the World Trader Center and thought it was all his fault (he passed away the next month and said 9/11 was his greatest failure- breaks my heart).
Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans says
That is so sad 🙁
Rachel @ Not Rachael Ray says
This post gave me goosebumps, Brittany! I was a freshman at Michigan State…I still remember it so vividly, getting back from class, EVERYONE had their TVs on..
Good reminder to stop and be thankful. I for one am happy that my husband, a Marine vet, is honorably discharged and safe and sound in my arms after two tours in Iraq.
Leanne (Bride to Mrs.) says
I’m so grateful for my husbands, my cat, our home, my career & my family 🙂
Love this post!
Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans says
Great post! I think it is so important to stop and think about all the things we are fortunate to have. I am grateful for a supportive BF, a loving family, good friends, health, access to wholesome food and living in a country like Canada.
On September 11 I was getting ready for a class in my first year university. I had the news on and saw that a plane had hit. My father had come home from a shift at our airport so I asked how it as possible for that to happen. Unfortunately I had my answer soon enough. It was such a heart breaking day for me but it also gave me a lot of hope. Heroes are born out of tribulation and that day saw the modern day super hero come to life- in the face of danger, men and women risked their lives to help others. Amazing and devastating all at once.
The world was with America that day. We will always remember those ho lost their lives and the lessons learned from such a tragedy.
blackhuff says
10 Years ago I was sitting at home, unemployed. When all of a sudden, the first images on television (CNN) broadcasted on the screen.
I then got a call from my boyfriend (now husband) who asked if I hear what happened, hearing the distress in his voice was terrible. I told him I just saw the first images on the television. They told me to continue watching, as they will call me for updates from work. Then other people I knew also started calling me for updates as they were at work and me unemployed at home, able to watch television and give updates.
At one stage we here in South Africa began with talks about going to the USA and sending out troops of people who are civilians of under the age of 30. My boyfriend was at that time under the age of 30 and we were ready for the call that he will be of the civilians sent over there – SA thought that this means a third World War.
As the day progressed and after we saw the second plane hit the second building, it became night. Everyone was talking about it. My boyfriend came that night to me (he was working 50k from where I lived that time) and spent the night with me. We were all traumatized.
Even though this did not happen in our country, we were sad with you, USA. And still are because other people decided to take their own lives and destroy other’s. That is not fair.
You are so right – I am going through a difficult time in my life now but some moments it struck me that there are so many other things I can be grateful for, and I know it.
John J. says
Brittany, what an awesome article! Your articulation of gratitude was heartwarming and inspirational. I can relate well to the list that you provided which includes having you as my daughter! Thanks for today’s positive thought.
JenRD says
Yes you are right, it puts things in perspective. I was getting ready for class, my senior year in college, when my dad called with the news. So surreal at the time.
So I take it the reflexology has not worked yet, huh? My due date is tomorrow, and I am just about ready to try anything now! So many people have said, “I hope the baby isn’t born on 9/11,” but ya know what, as long as she is healthy, we will be thrilled whenever she decides to arrive!
Best of luck to you!
Susan @ Real Life Travels says
Love this post, it’s always great to count your blessing … I do this daily to keep myself in check. I’m grateful for a lot of things but most importantly Nate for giving me this little boy who has touched my life in more ways than I could ever imagine.
Maria says
Beautiful post Brittany. I can’t believe I’m reading blogs this am, but I had to check up on your and Baby D!
I was reading the newspaper this morning that had a tribute to 9/11 and all my silly frustrations of the past few days seemed so silly (they are) and reading that (and this) is exactly what I needed to put things in perspective.
I had a similar 9/11 experience as you. I was in AP US History and we sat there watching history being made on the TV. Since I lived near D.C. a lot of student’s parents worked in the Pentagon, so it was really scary. I remember laying my bed after school and looking at the sky, finding it weird that no planes were flying…such vivid memories.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I definitely remember where I was 10 years ago on 9/11 – I was sitting at home watching Good Morning America with my mom because we had a late start that day. Little did we know what we would be watching. IT was so scary.
Sorry you haven’t popped that bambino out yet!!! She’ll come when she’s ready, I suppose!
Kristin @ eat healthy. be happy. live well says
I was a senior in high school too and we had teachers come around to the classrooms to tell us about what happened. My teacher just nodded her head and kept on teaching! It was sort of weird, but I didn’t freak out because our teacher didn’t freak out. We had so many students who had parents who work in DC, so there was a lot of concern and students going home throughout the day. We were able to turn on a TV in one class and I was finally able to see what was going on. Embarrassingly, I wasn’t sure what the World Trade Center was! I don’t remember the rest of the day though….Crazy that it’s been 10 years!
I’m thankful for my honey, family and my job!
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
I have so much to be grateful and thankful for — I’m glad I read your post early this morning Brittany, it is nice to have those reminders!
10 years ago on 9-11 I was in my second week of college — didn’t know anyone and suddenly everyone was walking out of buildings and signs were being posted “university closed” — I was so confused. I found my sister and we got on the bus to go home and hearing people talk about things was pretty scary — no one seemed to really know what had happened and all I knew was that I wanted to go home!
lauren says
what a great post – we all really need to take a step back and realize what IS important in life – not the material things, status in life, etc. but family, friends, health.
I was headed into my sophomore year (college) anthropology class – a course I already despised 🙂 – there was a note on the board that class was cancelled & I asked a classmate why – he said, “probably because a plane crashed into a building in NYC”
I didn’t really comprehend what he was saying, thinking perhaps an accident. But as soon as i made it back to my dorm, you couldn’t peel my suitemates & me away from our TV. surreal to say the least.
Also Charlotte was a bit crazy at that time too – as it was/is a big banking hub – we all were a bit terrified of the unknown.
Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun says
I still remember it all in such vivid detail too. I was in class when the instructor somehow heard about it all. She turned the TV on and we ended up sitting and watching the entire class and most of us even stayed after to watch more. I thought it was an accident until seeing the second plane hit. I remember in that moment realizing the world wasn’t as safe as I always believed.
Theresa says
I didn’t know you went to Sprayberry?! I went to Lassiter =) Anyways, I was living in Pineview (remember those off Milledge?) and Pilar and I were watching the news and just stayed there glued to the TV all day. I can’t believe it’s been ten years =(
Hope your baby comes soon-I keep checking back!
Theresa (from Buffalo’s in Athens…)
Brittany says
Hi Theresa!! Ah, I lived in Pineview, too- so classy 🙂 And oh yes, go jackets 😉
Tiff says
Yup. I was in biology class. I guess I’ll always remember that, and I don’t want to forget. I’m so grateful for my family. They’re the best in the world (although, I may be a little biased!)
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Great post!
I remember waking up and hearing it on the radio. I was only a freshman in H.S. so I didn’t really understand what was going on until I got to my first class of the day and we did nothing in every class besides watch the news.
Have a great weekend and I hope Baby D makes an appearance soon!
Kristin says
The odd thing about that day for me was how long it took for what was happening to sink in… I was actually at home, getting a late start to the day and watching GMA while finishing my hair, when they reported about the first plane. I left the house still thinking it was a small private plane or something, but as I drove downtown, the second plane hit, and it became clear that something more significant was happening. As I walked into my office, people had TVs and radios on, and the first tower fell. At that point, having driven all the way in to work, I began to wonder whether I should have just stayed home. No one got anything accomplished for the next couple of hours, and being in Pittsburgh we actually thought we might be a target, as there were reports of a plane turning around near Cleveland and not responding to air traffic controllers – ultimately what we learned was Flight 93. Eventually we were told we could leave, and I spent over an hour nervously waiting to get out of the parking garage, before finally getting home and watching news round the clock…
I know two 9/11 babies that have been born since, one of whom is my nephew. Definitely an easy date to remember, but it’s nice to have it be for good reasons!
Madeline@Food, Fitness, and Family says
I was on the west coast so I was getting ready for school when the first plane hit. My mom and I were watching the news as the second one hit. I went to school. I was a HS freshman, but when the first tower collapsed my sister came and picked me up. My mom decided that on a day like that the family just needed to be together. I remember all of us glued to the tv all day, numb. One of my friends lost her dad that day – he was on one of the planes.
I am thankful for so many things in my life. I am thankful for my husband in uniform who joined the military after 9/11 to do his part to make sure our children never experience a horror like that. I am thankful for the other men and women who have volunteered knowing that they would be going to war. I am thankful for firefighters and police officers who put themselves in harms way everyday to help people they don’t know. More than anything, I am thankful and proud to be an American.
Kimberly says
Great post!
I was in fifth grade, and needless to say I didn’t quite understand what was going on. Our teacher, and a lot of the students around me, were crying and I didn’t understand why. I thought it was sad, but I thought like at most 10 people had died. I was angry because I didn’t understand and nobody would tell me. Every other grade above us got to watch TV, but they thought that the fifth graders couldn’t handle it. I felt so small and belittled. I went home that afternoon, and everyone was still crying, eyes peeled to the TV. It was the first time I had seen what happened, and I thought my eyes were going to pop out of my head because they grew so wide. I didn’t know it was a terrorist attack, and nobody told me. I ended up yelling at everyone to tell me what happened because they were treating me like I was 5. When they did, I pretended to understand what a suicide bomber and a terrorist attack was. But I couldn’t get my head around the idea of someone hating you so much for what you are and believe that they would die to make you feel pain. I still don’t quite understand that.
Sherry says
Your beautifully written post gave me chill bumps and brought tears to my eyes. I remember that day so well. I had just gotten back from a walk with Phyllis Moore when she called and said “Do you have the TV on?” I did not so I turned it on & saw the second plane hit the World Trade Center. All I could think about was how could I keep my children safe in this world and I was praying that Kris would not have to go to war. I also thought that I was glad that my dad (who had passed away two years ago) did not live to see this–it would have broken his heart. I wanted to take my family (immediate & extended) and friends and go live in the country far away from any cities that may be targets for terrorists. My faith in humanity was restored when I saw so many heroes–firemen, policemen, and civilians reaching out to help. I love America! Now come on Baby D-come join us!
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
I did a Flashbulb Memory post wayyyy long ago when I first started my blog. Like you.. I remember EVERYTHING about 9/11/01. When the first plane hit, I was in Spanish… Chemistry for the second one. My chem teacher actually referred to dropping items like kamkazees during the lesson because at that point – she didn’t think it was terrorism at that point. Such a scary day..
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
I could never forget that day. I was in my Econ 201 class my first week or so of my sophomore year in college. Our professor totally dismissed the news when someone said what happened thinking it wasn’t a big deal. I remember walking back to my room after class and as soon as I turned the TV on, the first tower collapsed. I’m from NY and driving home from college the first time after was surreal when I drive past the city skyline and seeing nothing in the place the twin towers stood. Very surreal. My grandfather was actually supposed to BE in one of the buildings that day for a business meeting and thankfully was running late. It’s amazing how fate kept him out of there. I think about that all the time.
I love this post and how you thought about all the good things in life. There are many. We tend to lose perspective all too often.
Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good says
I’m so grateful for my family and my health.
I don’t think I’ll ever forget 9/11. It really doesn’t feel like 10 years ago to me.
Jess @atasteofconfidence says
I do remember, but I was only in sixth grade, so I could not grasp what had happened at all. I am grateful for my health, my boyfriend, and my family.
Lauren says
I was in my 7th grade math class when I heard. I don’t think I really understood the gravity of the situation until much much later. I remember it being oddly quiet as well. Great reflection post, Brittany.
Erika says
On 9/11 I was teaching my nursery school kids the color red and writing down things that were red with red marker on chart paper. We were waiting for sign language class to start. I was wear a blue jumper, a white t-shirt and blue flats. I ran upstairs during signn language for a break or to get something and Uncle Frank (may he rest in peace) was working in the kitchen and had the new on. There was black smoke coming out of the WTC. I asked was in an accident, what happened? Then no one new. We went on with our our morning with this on our minds and hearing bits and pieces and then later the whole family was sobbing around the kitchen TV as the US and the world realized what was going on. I remember seeing people in the offending countries jumping around celebrating. I took a break for lunch and went to McDonalds and made sure I told my boss where I was going. Before that we were on the playground with the kids and the planes had all been grounded by then, or most of them and it was silent. I remember getting texts and phone calls from Mom and Kristin because we were afraid at one point that the fated Flight 93 was headed towards PIttsburgh. Parents came early to pick up their children and they had the radio on and were crying and I was crying buckling the kids in. Kids were wondering what was happening, and I know I said the wrong thing or couldn’t say anything. We sat at nap and had the radio on. The rest of the day was a fog and spent in daze. We kept the kids safe and that was it. Didn’t pay attention. I went home to Mom’s house, collapsed onto the couch and proceeded to stare at the TV for the next several hours and days. Went to a benefit concert on the 12th that was done by some local artists and it was moving and sad but also healing. One of two or three I went to. And I know this weekend I’m going to relive it all, cause I always do, but I’m going to try to think about what you said about choosing to remember the heroes, how the country came together, etc. I just hope we’re not having an 11th AND a 1st anniversary next year in 2012 with these new threats this weekend…pray we stay safe now and pray for the victims and the families of 10 years ago as they go through this horrible weekend.
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
It’s so important to notice our blessing in our lives. We never know when they may be taken away from us..
Brittany @ LessBritt MoreLife says
So glad i stumbled upon your blog last night! What a great post! Just what i needed 🙂 When 9/11 happened, i was in 10th grade leaving 1st period, going to 2nd and someone told me the 1st tower was hit. I thought they meant that something was wrong with a plane, that it lost control, and crashed into the world trade tower #1! Boy was i wrong! So much to be grateful for 🙂
Mandy says
I am grateful for my husband, baby girl, family, and being here on this earth to share each day with them. Thanks for the great post!
Karlee @olivewineandfood says
I was in AP English too, but I was a freshman. Later that day, I was at soccer practice and we heard what I thought was a huge explosion. I live right by an airport, and airforce base so we were all terrified. It happened to be the sonic boom of two F-16s. I am grateful my health, family, friends, and job!
Roz@weightingfor50 says
A friend of mine (who is in her mid 40’s) was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. We have no idea how long or short a time she has left, but she is determined to live every day she has from a place of gratitude, love and forgiveness. Her attitude and the way she is facing her mortality makes her a true role model to me. I am grateful for her friendship and her inspiration. She, like those who died or lost someone on 9/11, know that life can change in a split second and every day is a gift. I’m consciously trying to follow her lead and find things to be grateful for every day. I focus on big things that make me happy, my family, my friends, my health and little joy in simple things like the taste of a just picked tomato, laughing at my cat’s antics or a great piece of music. Thanks for the post Brittany, I’m also grateful for your wonderful blog. (Baby D…you really should come out and meet Mommy in person, she’s pretty cool!!)
Brittany says
oh my goodness, Roz, my heart is so heavy for your friend. She is so young. But I, too, am amazed and inspired by her outlook. Thank you so much for your comment- it really does help put things in perspective.
Kelly @ Runmarun says
Great post, Brittany. It’s hard to believe that it’s been eleven years- I was a senior in college and I remember that day well.
I taught American History for 7 years and always asked my students to recount their experience and pretty soon, they will be too young to remember much of anything.
I always showed them this video (with a lot of explanation ahead of time) as a way to truly comprehend what happened. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbOzSeu6sJA
I will warn you that it’s definitely a tear jerker if you haven’t seen it- I cried a lot the first time I watched it.
Thanks for sharing your experience!