We need to approach each new relationship with an open mind and a willingness to see and learn about this new partner, boss, co-worker or friend with new eyes. Sure, you have learned valuable lessons in past that will help you make good decisions, however, it is unfair to generalize behaviors of one person when meeting someone new.

Sometimes a person in your life makes some changes for positive. She is working hard to be different, to respond differently, to improve an area of her life. Open yourself to possibility of seeing her differently. Give her space to change. Notice changes. Both of you will benefit.

Everything has meaning that you give it. A driver cuts in front of you on freeway. One day, you can be angry and curse driver for being such a complete idiot. Another day, you can simply say, ‘Oh, maybe, she’s late for a very important appointment’ and let it go. That’s choosing how you see things, your perception. The second approach saves wear and tear on your energy, your nerves and your sense of well-being.

One day a colleague at work is quiet, uncommunicative and sullen. You can decide that that person is childish, angry, pouting or difficult. You may then ignore him or treat him coldly. Or, you might decide that something very difficult has happened to them and ask if you can help in some way. You may simply be compassionate towards them and give them space and peace to recover. It’s a choice.

Life goes along much better when you take responsibility for your choices. You will not be looking for someone to blame for your mood, your responses or your actions. You choose meaning things have and, in that light, you choose your responses. You are powerful. Every moment of every day you are deciding how to view your world. Exercise your power to choose. See things positively. It’s your choice.

We must not only remember that 9-11 happened, but that all of these other things have happened since. Have we already forgotten how ugly world can be that we're back to hurting each other again? Americans are disconnected from one another. We're back to hating, to slamming doors in each other's faces, tramping on flowers to save three seconds around garden. Again, a fellow American isn't much more than an inconvenience, a traffic jam, or a lazy slob taking up air on Eastside of town.

As we light candles in memory of those lost on September 11, 2001, we should light sun to remember how we felt about each other during those weeks that followed attacks. With that much love for human life circulating on a more permanent basis, America is sure to change for better. While we remember what was lost, we must take time to remember what remains: walking past you on street with a bag full of groceries, children jump-roping in a parking lot, elderly man that takes up smoking because he's tired of being alone. There are so many people in our country who are still alive and in need of our love and compassion.

We will mourn again for those lost on September 11, 2001. But how long will our change-of-heart last this time? What about next year? We must be careful not to let it slip away again. If we don't take time to pay some positive attention to those that are still around, September 11 will happen again; perhaps this time from within.

Get up, America, and remember everything that happens. Sure, it's easy to turn page and flip channel, but, then channel is only thing that changes.