Some Important Lessons I learned during the last few months of being 26.

A few quotes that sum up what I have learned before my 27th birthday in a few weeks.....

Source: bitsotruth.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: bitsotruth.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: bitsotruth.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: siblondelegandesc.ro via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: bitsotruth.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

A Holy Day

As the Jewish holidays came and went this year, I celebrated them in a bit of a different way. Embracing my faith, my culture, my tradition, in my own way. Not in the way that was imposed on me as I was growing up, but instead, looking inside myself, finding my connection to my culture, and what it truly means to be Jewish. 

In two very small summaries it comes down to this

1. New beginnings are a necessity, it forces us to to look deep within ourselves, look for what needs to be changed and learned from, and then put it into action. (Rosh Hashanah)

2. Forgive myself; as I realize that the bad came from good intentions. Next, for those I wronged, I ask their forgiveness. Finally, be passionate and strong in what I believe in; never back down. (Yom Kipper). 


This Fall, being Jewish means connecting to those who I love. Especially those who have passed away. Learning from their wisdom even when they are not physically here. Realizing the good in people. Realizing the good in taking chances; for it is within those chances that the vision of what I want for my life (a family, kids, a husband, a Ph.D) starts to become a reality. Learning lessons from every situation. This Jewish new year...I will start my search for the "good." The good in myself, the good in others, the good in new opportunities, the good in new relationships, the good in past relationships, and the good in changing myself to become the best person I can be.

A happy New Year. A sweet one. An easy Yom Kipper fast. And to your own search for goodness.

A good thought for the new year:

So often, we think of teshuvah as “getting rid of the bad.” That approach can lead to self-condemnation or even hopelessness. Many rabbis and teachers have suggested instead that we search for the good—what was the good motivation even in a bad act? What is the good lesson that can come out of a bad decision? Where and how can teshuvah turn bad relationships into friendships, or at least grudges into forgiveness? Rather than banishing the evil, can we simply crowd it out with the good? For every sin or bad habit you are trying to banish, install a new, positive practice to replace it. Consider: how might you fill your thoughts, your daily schedule, even your dreams with goodness? It’s not that we give ourselves leave to deny the bad, the tarnish, the damage. It’s that we don’t focus there one minute longer than it takes to uncover the lesson, find our pure core, and make a different decision. –Rabbi Debra Orenstein

Fall Magic

I wake with covers pulled way up high on my bed, 

a cool breeze from the window,

and I know Fall is in the air. 

The wisdom of the season change, 

gives me hope and spirit,

the air, so cool, blows through me.

The days are shorter, but the season seems to last forever 

in my mind, 

those smells of Fall magic, 

can only be found a few months of the year,

and I take it all in.

Apple cider, carmel applies, slushies and Fall bike rides,

Halloween, cinnamon, pumpkins, and friends,

a season for change, a time to reflect.

Baseball games and football, long walks in downtown, 

stepping on the fresh leaves with someone new, 

feel that Fall magic through your intertwined hands.

 Passion and colors, red and orange and gold, 

how can you be sad, when there is so much beauty around?

The strength of the season, the start of something new, 

courage, and growth, and smiles,

oh Fall, how I do love you.

The thick apple cider, the smell of cinnamon sugar,  pumpkin spice

light jackets and warm sun, 

all of this Fall Magic, oh, it has only just begun. 

Give this magic a chance, a place to grow and change
Color it with love and see what remains.
Right now we must say goodbye to summer, like saying goodbye to an old love.
Embrace the new season upon us, and see what will come
But old loves and seasons will always come back, but each as a new opportunity
too see what may have lacked.

So goodnight, Fall magic air, rest well in the coolness of your season
Wrap yourself in the magic of the breeze,
Listen softly to the wind and calm,
Be still sweet, sweet, Fall, 
For you are really the best season of all.

Healing in Progress

I am healing. Day by Day. And this weekend, proved to me, that because I am committed to stay on that trail, good things have come my way. I have not rushed it. I have listened to my heart, head, and body.

I spent the weekend with wonderful friends, new company and old, and noticed my sadness fading. A subtle anger set in, and I knew I had to change something. As the quote I found suggests, with anger, comes change. And so I did something. I only have control over me, and my actions. It was time for me to become empowered, and find my happiness. I end this Monday evening with a smile. And ready to start a brand new school year.

Good night. 

Be kind, always.

“Usually when people are sad, they don't do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change.”

"And when you begin to miss me, don't forget it was you who let me go."

Quote of the Day

Life is all about relationships. The peaks and the valleys. Those who are by your side, and those who leave your side. And those who you learn from along the way. This totally shifted my sense of self when I found it. 

"If you are absent during my struggles, don't expect to be present during my success." 

 -Unknown