9/11 Anniversary Message- AFA EAP

9ll-Anniversary-Message

PERSONAL STRATEGIES FOR APPROACHING THE ANNIVERSARY OF
SEPTEMBER 11th
From Your AFA EAP
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
.
➢ 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.
➢ Don’t compare yourself to how others around you appear to be dealing with the
September 11th anniversary.
➢ Acknowledge that we all heal at different rates, in different ways, and with different
outcomes.
➢ 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.
➢ 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 at 1-844-232-2228 or find your local EAP representatives’ contact
information at www.afacwa.org. Remember, we’re just a phone call away.

.