Shana Tova: A Good Year
Oh what a year. Rosh Hashanah is the holiday I look forward to the most for two real reasons. For one, I love a good kugel (not kegel), but also I enjoy the time set aside to reflect.
It’s not often we are encouraged to stop the constant grind, think about the last few months, and be able to say: “Wait…I’ve done a lot and been through a lot, and here’s who I’ve become as a result of that.”
This year taught me a lot about myself, helped me prioritize my goals, and once again proved that we are all much more capable of engaging our problems than we realize.
I love a good list, so here are 5 realizations I’ve had in 5779:
1. There is a time for everything.
Life is full of transitions and nothing stands still. I’ve done a bunch of work this year I’m really proud of, under my own steam. When you make positive choices for yourself, you get somewhere better. And that feeling is all kinds of awesome. The wheel always keeps turning and what’s meant for us will come.
2. The best way to stay young is by spending time with young people.
Seriously, y’all. Spending time with young people stops me from turning into a curmudgeon. Teens get a bad wrap pretty much all the time, and sometimes deservedly so. But they really are just blossoming people with new thoughts, ideas, dreams, goals, and passions. They keep me energized, inspired, and on my toes.
3. Mornings are the most important part of the day.
Although I love burning the midnight oil, I’ve come to equally love rising before the sun. My early mornings have become essential to my productivity and really created a bedrock of stability.
4. Relationships need to be prioritized.
I made a conscious effort to make time for the phone calls and coffee dates this year. I have expanded (and relied on) my network much more in the last few months than I ever have in the past. Thanks to the people who serve me and serve with me. I’m grateful.
5. Sometimes you can be doing everything right, just in the wrong place.
I took the time to make sure I’m positioned in the right place with the right people. The strongest axe does no good if it is standing in front of the wrong tree. Audit where your feet are.
“Reflect upon your present blessings — of which every [person] has many — not on your past misfortunes, of which all [people] have some.” ― Charles Dickens
So as the weekend rolls into a new year, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on the last few months, acknowledge your perspective shifts, and shed some grudges.
