Today I shared a deeply personal reflection on two converging realities: the recent tragic loss of Charlie Kirk, and the remembrance of September 11, 2001—now twenty-four years past.

I began by acknowledging the heavy weight of this day. Though much is being said about Kirk’s assassination, I chose not to dwell on speculation. Instead, I wanted to take listeners back to my own 9/11 story, a story of fear, near-loss, and unexpected grace.

Like many, I remember where I was when the planes struck. I had just returned from a walk, turned on the television, and saw the first tower burning. At first, there was confusion—maybe an accident? But then, before my eyes, the second plane hit. Suddenly, we all knew: America was under attack.

That day became even more frightening for me when we learned that my daughter’s boyfriend at the time had an 8:00 a.m. breakfast appointment at the top of the World Trade Center. For hours, we couldn’t reach him. Phones were down, panic was everywhere, and all we could do was pray. Late that afternoon came the news: he had been delayed—late, for once in his punctual life—and spared. A twist of fate kept him alive.

Two weeks later, I flew into New York and witnessed the devastation firsthand—the smoking ruins, the posters of missing loved ones plastered on walls, and the tears of families searching for answers. That image of a mother crying, asking if anyone had seen her daughter, is seared into my heart forever.

Since that day, I’ve committed to supporting Tunnels to Towers—a reminder that the sacrifices of that day still echo, and families still carry the burden. For me, my small monthly gift is as essential as my mortgage or health insurance—it keeps the memory alive through action.

Takeaways & Things to Remember

Never Forget – 9/11 is not just history. For survivors, families, and first responders, the wounds are still fresh. Our duty is to remember and honor their stories.

Every Life Matters – One missed meeting or one delayed train can be the difference between life and death. Cherish the people around you today—you may never know what tomorrow brings.

Stories Carry Legacy – Younger generations don’t have first-hand memory of that day. We must tell the stories, pass them down, and teach why remembrance matters.

Support Those Who Serve – Whether through organizations like Tunnels to Towers or local efforts, small acts of generosity keep communities strong.

Live Boldly in the Days of Awe – As the Jewish tradition teaches, the time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is for reflection, reconciliation, and renewal. Ask yourself: What do I need to forgive, what do I need to change, and where do I need to be braver?

Closing Challenge

As we step into the year ahead, I challenge each of us to carry the memory of 9/11 not only in sorrow but in action. Let us live with boldness, bravery, courage, and power. Let us choose reconciliation where possible, forgiveness where needed, and courage where demanded.

The world remains dangerous, uncertain, and divided. But you and I can choose to be makers of peace, builders of hope, and storytellers of truth.

So as this day of remembrance closes, may we not only honor the past but also make a resolution: to live in such a way that the world is just a little bit safer, a little bit kinder, and a little bit better.

And may something awesome happen to you today.

In a timely presentation released as summer turns to autumn, broadcaster and coach Stan Hustad introduced a daring new framework for what he calls a 'Zone-Full Life.' Built on years of reflection, conversations, and teaching, Hustad offers a way of understanding life not as a series of random events, but as a movement through a sequence of zones—each one offering opportunity, challenge, and fulfillment.

Rather than drifting through life or settling for survival, Hustad challenges listeners to identify which zone they are in, which one they are moving toward, and how they might live with greater clarity, wisdom, and generosity.

The Seven Zones of a Life Well Lived

The Curiosity Zone

We begin life with wonder and relentless questioning. Curiosity is our God-given default setting, yet it often gets crushed by conformity and routine. Hustad urges us never to abandon curiosity, for it is the foundation of creativity, discovery, and lifelong learning.

The Impact Zone

As we mature, we are called to 'make a dent in the universe.' This is the zone of productivity, contribution, and achievement—the time when careers are built, businesses launched, and the fruits of labor earned. Impact drives both influence and income.

The Issachar Zone

Named after an ancient Hebrew tribe known for 'understanding the times and knowing what to do,' this is the wisdom zone. It’s where experience, discernment, and perspective converge. Few enter it deeply, but those who do gain the ability to guide others with clarity.

The Transformation Zone

Life is not just about change but about transformation—rebirth after tragedy, breakthrough after struggle, or a new vision discovered in maturity. Here, lives and businesses shift from mere function to radical re-creation.

The Generosity Zone

The happiest people, Hustad reminds us, are not the ones who accumulate, but the ones who give. In this zone, abundance becomes a call to share—time, treasure, wisdom, and compassion. It is the zone of blessing others.

The Encore Zone

Contrary to the myth of retirement, this zone is about launching new projects in later life. It’s where people ask: 'What’s next? What can I do now that I couldn’t before?' For many, this is the most fulfilling zone of all.

The Transcendence Zone

Ultimately, life points beyond itself. In this final zone, we discover the spiritual, the eternal, and the reality that human existence transcends the material. It’s where faith, meaning, and hope for 'something more' come alive.

Things to Remember, Share, and Write Down

• Life is best understood not as a straight line but as a journey through zones of growth, impact, and meaning.

• Curiosity must never die. It is the beginning of wisdom and innovation.

• Impact creates income, but wisdom shapes legacy.

• Transformation is possible at any stage of life—often emerging from pain or crisis.

• Generosity brings joy in ways accumulation never can.

• An Encore Life is not retirement but new beginnings.

• Transcendence calls us to see beyond ourselves and invest in what is eternal.

Motivation for Today

Hustad’s message is not simply a philosophical musing—it is an invitation. Anyone, right now, can step more fully into their zone. Start by asking:

- What zone am I in today?
- What zone am I neglecting?
- What is the next step I can take to live with more impact, wisdom, or generosity?

Living a zone-full life means being present, practicing consistently, and pursuing performance with purpose. It is about knowing when to push forward, when to give back, and when to look beyond yourself.

Call to Action

Stan Hustad and his colleagues are developing a forthcoming book titled The Coaching Zone, designed to help individuals and communities embrace zone-full living. Through coaching, mentoring, and teaching, Hustad hopes to inspire a collective of people dedicated to living wisely and helping others flourish.

The invitation is simple but challenging: Don’t wait. Begin now. Enter your zone, live fully, and share generously.