20 Years Since September 11th

I can’t believe it’s been twenty years since that unforgettable day back in 2001. I think we all remember exactly where we were when we heard the news. I was having a conversation with my friend and former assistant, Charlie, and we were talking about this very subject. It was his senior year in high school, and he almost ditched school that day to go to Manhattan. I was about to give a big presentation for my marketing internship for school, and was up all night preparing, then spent the entire day at a bar watching all the TV and news stations. I can’t believe it’s been 20 years. Wow I was only 23, a baby. I had my entire life figured out, LOL.

Where were you when you heard?

Even though it’s been 20 years, there are still charities helping those affected by that tragic day that need our help. Here’s a list of organizations you can follow on Instagram and find out where to donate. I firmly believe that when you put money out into the universe for good it comes back tenfold.

@Tuesdayschldrn
Tuesday’s Children is “one of the most visible charities doing work directly related to the families of victims.” The organization has reportedly worked with at least three-quarters of victims’ families and runs programs that include youth mentoring and career guidance and mental health services for first responders and victims’ children and spouses.

@ScholAmerica
The Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund, which operates as a part of Scholarship America, has provided more than $150 million in scholarships to dependents of those killed or otherwise affected in the 9/11 attacks and subsequent rescue efforts.

@Teamheart911
Healing Emergency Aid Response Team (HEART) 9/11 is a team of volunteers from the Fire Department of the City of New York, New York Police Department, Port Authority Police Department, and the NYC Building Trades. The group seeks to honor the sacrifices of their colleagues who were lost in 9/11 by aiding communities across the country in recovering and rebuilding after natural and man-made disasters. They dispatch volunteer teams to areas affected by tragedies to help in response, recovery, and rebuilding efforts.

@Fealgood_foundation
Founded by construction worker John Feal, the Feelgood Foundation advocates on behalf of 9/11 first responders and other emergency personnel who have been injured on the job. Feal was reportedly inspired to launch his foundation after he was severely injured (8,000 pounds of steel crushed his foot) while working on cleanup and recovery efforts at Ground Zero with a team of construction demolition experts. Frustrated by the hurdles he faced when he tried to obtain certain health care benefits, Feal launched the Feelgood Foundation to advocate for first responders’ rights and medical benefits, including pushing for the passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health & Compensation Act of 2010. Donations can be made to the charity through the FealGood Foundation’s website.

@Voicesofsept11
VOICES was officially established in 2002 with a focus on providing long-term support services to those impacted by the 9/11 terror attacks, including survivors, victims’ families, and first responders.
Over the years, their work has included support groups, advocacy on behalf of the 9/11 community, the 9/11 Living Memorial Project, and launching, “Enroll One More,” a national campaign to raise awareness for the World Trade Center Health Program, which serves 9/11 survivors and responders. You can read more about their programs and support their work with a donation at their website.

With the world everchanging day by day, and knowing tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, we really need to take each day and make it the best we can.

Here are a few quick life hacks I use to really maximize my life and make each day great.
-Make your bed daily. It makes my room look clean and I get out of bed and feel a little accomplished.
-Daily Gratitude. Say what you are grateful for as you make your bed, there are a lot of people worse off than you so be happy and grateful always.
-Turn on the music and start your day moving. There’s nothing like it! Take a quick walk & drink lots of water. I often do around my neighborhood (while checking my mail).
-Say positive affirmations. You are worthy!
-Make time for Self-Care. Do an at home skincare routine with Beauty Kitchen.
-Meal prepping will make your week even better, help you eat healthier, and save money!

What are your favorite life hacks or habits to make the most of each day? I’d love to hear with an email to AskHeatherMarianna@gmail.com or a comment on the Instagram page @AskHeatherMariannaBlog!

XOXO,
Heather