Tragedy prompts life changes

With the events of September 11 still so fresh in our minds, many of us may find ourselves moving forward with a feeling of uneasiness. Even if we knew nobody involved in the tragedies in the United States, the fact that so many lost their lives while engaged in everyday routines - travelling on an airplane or sitting down at work - is unsettling.

The victims were not doing anything extraordinary or dangerous or unlawful. They were simply going about their lives, never dreaming that when they woke that morning it was for the last time. We may find ourselves wondering: If this could happen to them, could it not also happen to us? The answer, of course, is "yes".

From the moment we are born, we are doomed, so to speak. And although death is inevitable, fortunately, most of us never know when, where, or how it will occur. This reality, however, does not prevent us from believing that we will live into old age and do all the things we want to do with our lives. The human instinct to survive and thrive is strong indeed.

But as we have seen most grievously, life is unpredictable. Rather than frighten and paralyse us, however, this unpredictability should compel us to want to live lives that have purpose and meaning. It should make us question and examine how we fill our days, how we treat our families, how we regard our friends, and how we contribute to the world.

I've certainly found myself taking a look at my own life these last few weeks. Petty fears and worries seem inconsequential, a waste of time. Time is not a renewable resource and it seems a travesty to waste any of it obsessing about things in the past that can't be changed, worrying about problems that will be resolved in time if only we are patient enough, and permitting the small, everyday annoyances of life to spoil our days - is it that big a deal to be stuck in traffic or kept waiting on line at the supermarket?

This kind of reflection can lead us to make positive changes in our lives.

Many of us may find ourselves wondering about the work we do. Is it meaningful? Do we enjoy it? Is it creative enough? Does it allow us to use our best talents and abilities? Do we enjoy going to work - or does it fill us with dread? Now might be a good time to consider those feelings and the impact they have on our lives. Perhaps it is time to think about pointing our careers in a direction that is more satisfying.

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