Moving Beyond Yourself         

Tell Your Story         

Most of America is focused on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Almost each and every one of us can remember exactly what we were doing at the time those planes crashed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Our lives have been impacted in one shape, form or another ever since.

Bob Beckwith is no different than the rest of us; yet he is. Most of you may recognize him from the now famous photo that appeared on the cover of TIME Magazine. This retired New York City firefighter had reconciled himself to enjoy a life of leisure. Then 9/11 changed his life forever. Him and his wife went from obscurity to notoriety and he has become a major advocate and speaker for the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation traveling all over the world. All because of a selfless act to help others, Beckwith found himself on top of a buried fire engine with none other than President George W. Bush.

"I was just an old man, just getting older and enjoying my retirement. Then 9/11 came," he says, according to an article on Yahoo News. "'You're going to go and meet your maker, and your story will never be known, I tell myself." he says.

Beckwith's first inclination when all the attention was turned to him was to shy away because he didn't view himself as a hero. Initially, he couldn't see how what he had done at Ground Zero and taking a picture with the President could have any impact on others.

Like Beckwith, many of us can't see the opportunities that are placed in front of us; even in the face of adversity. No doubt he didn't want to take advantage of a tragic situation for his own good. Sometimes, it is these moments that defines our reason for being.

You see, the obituaries of our lives are being written each and every day. It is not the glamour and the glitz of life that are the defining moments of life, but it is what we do to make this world better. Our lives are so intertwined that even a tragedy like 9/11 brings out the best in us. Actually, sometimes it is tragedies that unit us together in a way like none other.

As you reflect on the occurrences of 9/11, remember all of those people who lost their lives and pray for their families as they continue to heal. Also remember the millions of us who were left to continue this sojourn in life to fulfill our assignments.

Life's defining moments can catapult you on to the cover of TIME Magazine, or it can be as simple as finding joy in knowing you reached out to do something to make this world a better place. Regardless of the magnitude of what you do, you will be the one who write and tell your story. Others will be the better for it.