Navigating Life's Uncertainty with Resilience

In memory of those who died on September 11, 2001

On the morning of September 11, 2001, my family woke me up with the news that the U.S. was under attack. I’ll never forget that moment, and every year on this anniversary, those memories come rushing back, just as vivid as they were that day. It’s hard not to relive the emotions—the shock, the fear, the uncertainty of what might happen next. Anniversaries like today bring it all back.

At the time, I was an active-duty firefighter paramedic with Station 15 for the San Francisco Fire Department, scheduled to work the next day. Like many others, I sat glued to the TV, trying to wrap my head around what was happening in New York. Amid the chaos, a friend called. His wife was stranded in a small city two hours away, and she had been set to fly out that morning. I didn’t think twice—I jumped in my car and drove to get her. The air system was grounded, the roads felt eerily empty, and I wondered if the freeways would shut down next. I was prepared to be recalled if there was another attack in San Francisco. Fortunately, I wasn’t, and I got my friend’s wife back home safely.

The entire city felt different when I went to work the next day. San Francisco was on high alert, and we were told it could be a target. There was a sense of unease, and no one knew what might happen next. Life, as we knew it, had changed forever.

Today marks twenty-three years later. Anniversaries like this bring a somber reminder of how different my life is today. The events of September 11, 2001, impacted me tremendously. It’s crucial to remember anniversaries like today. These events remind us how fragile life can be and teach us about resilience. You can’t always prepare for what’s coming, but you can develop a mindset that helps you navigate the unknown. That’s what I learned on September 11, and it’s a lesson that shapes how I approach everything—being proactive in the face of uncertainty rather than waiting to react.

Dealing with Life’s Unpredictable Turns

I’m talking about those unpredictable moments that can completely change the direction of your life from one moment to the next. They show up without warning, taking your life in new and sometimes surprising directions. I lost a big chunk of my innocence on September 11, 2001, but it also taught me that it’s up to me to navigate the changes instead of being a victim to them.

Here’s an example of an experience: during the first weekend of the COVID-19 "shelter in place," I joined a Zoom meeting I only attended because it had been moved online, and I was looking for something to do. In that meeting, I met a man who would become a mentor during one of the most challenging times in my life. I was transitioning out of a 35-year career, and on top of the pandemic stress, it was a tough time for me. His guidance was invaluable; he even introduced me to people I still work with today. He died in 2022, but his impact on my life remains.

Moments like these have taught me something important: I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty instead of resisting it. When I prepare for the unexpected, I can respond instead of reacting, and that’s been key to building my resilience.

I can’t say this part enough. Expect the unexpected thing you never considered, and ride the wave with intention. It might (and frequently does) toss you around, but with a proactive mindset, it can lead you in a direction you wouldn’t turn back if you could.

Learning to Trust the Flow

What I mean by trusting the flow is staying open to unexpected possibilities. When I remind myself to "expect the unexpected," I shift into a mindset of curiosity rather than stress or resistance. This helps me stay grounded and less likely to react impulsively when things don’t go as planned. As first responders, we’re trained to react swiftly and prepare for countless scenarios, but there’s also immense value in being flexible and learning to flow with what life presents.

This mindset shift—from constantly questioning, "Am I doing this right?" to trusting that we’re exactly where we need to be—can transform our personal and professional lives. Especially in high-stress roles, this approach relieves the pressure of trying to control every outcome. Instead, it allows us to focus on how we respond to unfolding events. A proactive mindset isn’t about passively accepting what happens but actively engaging with life and finding a balance between preparation and adaptability.

Let’s Develop a Proactive Mindset

How do you handle uncertainty? Have you ever stopped to think about it? What did you do the last time life threw you a curveball? I can share some strategies that work for me, but I see them as evolving—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Here are two things I rely on:

·      Embrace Uncertainty: I know "embrace" might sound a bit strong, but I use it intentionally. When we anticipate that uncertainty is part of life, we’re less likely to be caught off guard. And if we do get thrown off, we can recover more quickly by approaching uncertainty with curiosity instead of dread. Not everything can be planned, so being open to life's surprises allows us to view them as opportunities rather than obstacles.

·      Reflect Regularly: Reflect on your experiences and recognize the unexpected events and synchronicities that have shaped your path. Looking back, you’ll probably notice that much of life unfolded naturally. Maybe you met someone by chance, and they became a lifelong friend. Reflecting helps us appreciate how these moments shape who we are today.

Honoring the Sacrifice

On September 11, 2001, 343 firefighters died that day. Several hundred died in the following years, directly related to the event. As they climbed into the towers with all of their gear on, I can imagine they knew they could be walking towards their death.  Their dedication is beyond words.

I honor them for their sacrifice.

When I retired from active duty with SFFD in May 2018, the most overwhelming feeling I had was, "I got out alive." That realization hit hard because not everyone did.

Life is a delicate balance between planning and adapting to the unexpected. As first responders, we understand better than most that we can’t control everything but can control how we respond. It’s also our responsibility to reflect on how we react to each situation, learning and growing from our experiences. By embracing the unexpected, recognizing moments of synchronicity, and building resilience, we can navigate life's twists and turns with grace. Trust in the universe, stay open to its guidance and remember that every moment—no matter how random it seems—has the potential to shape your journey in profound ways.

I encourage you to share your stories of synchronicity with our community and inspire others as we all continue on the path toward a more proactive mindset.

Be Safe, Stay Strong, and Remain Resilient.

Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to support my efforts to bring this newsletter to as many people as possible. It keeps Building Resilience sustainable and accessible to all.

Thank you.

No matter how you subscribe, I thank you for reading.

Stay Safe,

JC