What Works: Let September 11 Bring Out the Best in You

This is the 16th anniversary of a national tragedy. It was a day the nation paused, slowed down, and turned toward concern for our fellow man. Rather than destroy us, the attacks of September 11, 2001 pulled us together as a nation like no other recent event. We turned an eye toward pain and showed compassion.

As a nation, we responded beautifully. As people, for a moment, our emotional walls came down. Our hearts opened. It was horrific. It was frightening. But in our worst moment, you could see the best shine through. That’s what I want to focus on today.

In Mills Park, there is a twisted girder. It’s a piece of one of the towers which our town is fortunate enough to exhibit. The girder isn’t behind plexiglass. No one is guarding it. There are no signs which state, “don’t touch.” In fact, every year on this anniversary, I urge people to go lay a hand or two on this piece of history. This year, I will be laying a hand on it with intention.

My intention: To allow struggle, tragedy, and pain bring out the best in me.

The photos from that day were inspiring. Humans helped humans. How often do I see someone struggling and lean in versus away? How often do I, with my cup and stomach full, reach out to fill someone else’s?

Turning inward, how often do I run from my own storms versus walking into them with my head held high? At Burning Man, which I returned from a week ago, I had to walk through whatever I was facing. One of the 10 principles, radical inclusion, also created a small society of people who would help me take the steps necessary to get out on the other side.

There was no national tragedy. But I saw people huddled together during a white out (a wind storm where the fine playa dust eliminates most if not all visibility). This human beauty surfaced during 9/11. Only the white out was a rain of ash and people covered with soot reached out to help another.

My question to you, Carson City, is this. Do we have to wait for the tragedy to hit our home? Can we take the goodness that pours from humankind during times of crisis and apply it to the daily challenges of our friends and neighbors? Can businesses band together without an economic crisis? Can we take one moment to pause in our busy lives and look around to see who needs a hand up?

Right now, we are surrounded by fires, floods, and hurricanes. Yet, Carson Street is kissed by the sun and we go about our lives. What can we do to lean in and help? If we aren’t helping someone affected by a tragedy, can we be a listening ear to someone facing their own force of nature?

September 11 was a day the world stood still and then came together. How can we remember this good energy and put it to work in our lives and communities? I’m open to your ideas.

GET INSPIRED
If you have ideas, come to my workshop tomorrow, September 12, at noon inside The Studio at Adams Hub for Innovation and learn how to choose the ideas that will make a difference. Learn which ideas bring you energy and which ones are better left for someone else to make real.

Ongoing: Motivation Monday with Diane Dye Hansen at Adams Hub for Innovation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Up to two free 30-minute face to face sessions. Email grow@adamshub.com to schedule an appointment).




September 13, 2017: Entrepreneurs Assembly at Adam’s Hub for Innovation, inside The Studio. 5:30 pm, free mastermind group.



September 18-20, 2017: Workshop: “Success After Abuse: Empowering Women to Assert Themselves After Leaving an Abusive Relationship” - Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence Conference, Atlantis Casino and Resort, Reno.

Schedule a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation with Diane any time at whatworkscoaching.com.

What Works Coaching

Diane Dye Hansen is the Chief Inspiration Officer of What Works Coaching, an individual and organizational coaching and consulting firm based in Carson City. She has 20 years of experience working with top corporations, growing businesses, motivated entrepreneurs, and individuals hungry for a fresh start. Diane holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Marketing from Cal State San Bernardino. She is also a candidate for a Master’s degree in Communications Management from the University of Southern California. Her column appears every Monday, and sometimes Tuesday, in Carson Now.