Survivor_Soldier_01

I joined the military during a time a relative peace prior to 9/11. I was at the Towers working for Verizon that morning. I was in the National Guard at the time and in the wrong place at the wrong time. I stayed in for years after 9/11 but ultimately decided to get out. My PTSD was affecting me too greatly.

Great question, honestly. Every year, year and after year, my anticipatory anxiety and stress starts around mid-August. I begin anticipating the day and all of the imagery of the event, the images and sounds, the agony revisited. For nearly 15 years, I would watch every moment of the documentaries and commentaries, including the conspiracy theories, many of them thrown in my face over the past two decades. For the past 4-5 years I have mindfully set my mind on thinking about all I am grateful for and to focus on doing something good on 9/11. I avoid immersing myself in the trauma and look for stories of inspiration and hope. I call family and friends to say I love them, how thankful I am for them. Wallowing in the pain and agony does nothing good for me. I don't need to be told to "Never Forget," I live with the memory every single day. *Edited: spelling

I was on my way to the South Tower for an interview with the Verizon sales team. When I exited the subway across the street, the paper began to fall from the first plane's impact. I walked to the corner of Vesey Street, right near St. Paul's chapel when the second impact happened. I was directly below the blast, hit by the heat and concussion, nearly killed by the falling debris. In brief, that is what I elaborate in my chapter on that day in details.

I am a fan of daily exercises as simple as a brisk, 20-minute walk. Also, mindfully think of experiences that bring you joy: watching a funny television show, listening to music that does not bring you down. I love to write and be creative, often drawing, as well. Also, A daily journal on one thing that was good that day helps.

Who is your favorite character from Shakespeare and why?