In the midst of a world seemingly on the brink of chaos, a dream served as a wake-up call, prompting a shift in perspective and a renewed commitment to living life fully. This article explores the impact of global events on personal lives and the importance of maintaining normalcy in the face of adversity.
"Can't you see?" she yelled, "It's as if World War III has begun and you're behaving as if everything is perfectly fine!" This was a line from a dream I had a few nights ago, referring to the current state of the world. The person in my dream is someone I am very close to in real life. I remember responding, "I understand why you might think that, but the world wasn't exactly a paradise before 9/11. The terrorist attacks have merely acted as a catalyst for the positive, spiritual changes the world needed to make anyway". This is something I have said to many people in reality.
However, she retorted, "You need to wake up and smell the anthrax!" I am not a fan of nightmares, especially those that jolt you awake, but this surreal conversation served as a catalyst for me to change how I have been living since September 11.
Many people may be experiencing sleep disturbances, dreams, or even nightmares related to the terrorist attacks and the current state of the world. Experts tell us that this is perfectly normal given the magnitude of the senseless violence, the threat of biological attacks, and the constant talk of more threats, even nuclear ones. The constant barrage of 'crisis coverage' in our lives day in and day out can be overwhelming. If you weren't concerned about everything that is happening right now, including your own safety, you'd have to be quite insensitive!
However, I believe our biggest enemy right now is our personal preoccupation with these global events and the level of "shutdown" we've allowed into our lives as a result. Just look around at what's happening, or rather, what's not happening. Travelers and vacationers aren't flying, and the airlines and tourist industries are in deep financial trouble. People are avoiding public places and numerous major events have been postponed or cancelled. The stock market has plummeted and businesses, both large and small, are beginning to fail in droves. People just aren't doing what they normally do, including spending money on leisure activities.
I confess that I have been complaining about how slow my Internet sales have been. This is not like me at all. But on reflection, I haven't bought a single thing on the Internet since September 11! Nor in any department store. I haven't flown on an airplane or even gone out to a restaurant. I haven't attended the theater or been to a sporting event either. I've been sitting in my office and running to the nearest television for 5 weeks now, stuck in this fog, frozen, like too many people! So how could I then be expecting people to spend money on MY products when I wasn't buying theirs? Worse, how come I was not enjoying my life like I normally would? Am I not part of the problem?
We have all been affected by these terrorist acts. In my case, I let them change not only my thought process but also the patterns in MY life! I felt compelled to follow every breaking story, see every related interview, stay on top of every detail of the 'war on terrorism' and otherwise remain a slave to the chaos these demons created. I was getting my routine work done but that was all. I had NOT been my progressive, creative, and otherwise normal self since September 11. Partial victory, Osama!
However, this twisted dream made me realize that I had the option NOT to be a victim and play into the blood-stained hands of these devils on earth. So I made some decisions. I am no longer staying tuned to the play-by-play of the War on Terrorism. I'm going to do something fun with my family this weekend and every weekend thereafter. And, I AM back to work on a new project that was "inspired" by the great tragedy of September 11. And boy does it feel great!
I am now getting on with business and my life. Something so many of us need to do a much better job of. When you really think about it, being all-consumed by the events of the recent future only plays into the hands of the thugs that are trying to destroy all that is good in this world. Psychological terrorism is potent and an awfully easy infection to catch but the good news is you're a decision or two away from a cure!
Yes, we are in a war. A war of good versus evil. Right against wrong. Love against hate. World War III? No way! We all know who's going to win this thing and it's just a matter of time. The same time we can be putting to use in ways that make us contribute to the coming victory! Allowing the fear that the terrorists have created to dominate our thinking, stop us from living our lives normally and moving forward in our businesses and careers is in reality hoisting the white flag to the evil we are fighting!
We owe it to ourselves, our families, our businesses, and our free nations to get back to normal in these abnormal times. Like, right now! May I suggest taking the family to your favorite restaurant and a movie this weekend? How about planning a well-deserved trip, even if by car and even if just a weekender? Doesn't a leisurely excursion to your local mall to treat yourself to something you've wanted for a long time sound good? And by all means, if you have been swimming in the same soup as I have for weeks now, make a decision to get back to work!
I urge you to put an end to whatever level of shutdown you may still be in. Hopefully, you were more enlightened than me, and dug out early. But if not, begin the process of "letting go" of those things you can't control and take possession of what you can - Your Life!
I've started that process and I can't begin to explain the great sense of freedom I have. The same feeling I had before that terrible day none of us will ever forget.
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