As I type up my mother's notebooks of Torah thoughts and lessons, I noticed that I make more typos when I am rushing. Meaning, I am looking at the words that are to come instead of focusing on the current word. Obviously, I need to be looking at the future words to go faster, but … Continue reading Lessons in Mindfulness from Typing and Strumming
Empathy Is Key
They say a smile is magical. When you share it you lose nothing, but the other gains hope, encouragement, and comfort. I’d like to add to this that a smiley, friendly, empathetic remark is priceless. Last week when our water was off due to a block-wide water leak, I went back after my morning workout … Continue reading Empathy Is Key
Water Shut Off
Yesterday was special for another reason besides getting my own swim lane. Our water was shut off in the morning due to a water pipe leak next door. It reminded not to take water or showers for granted. I was also reminded not to take towels for granted, since I forgot mine when I went … Continue reading Water Shut Off
Swimming Success
This morning, unlike the previous two days, I got my own lane. Not only that, there was only one other person in the pool and some of the time I was the ONLY one! I loved having my own lane: being able to swim in the center of the lane, directly over the blue tile … Continue reading Swimming Success
What We Tell Ourselves Matters
Yesterday was a religious fast day. Fasting is supposed to spur repentance but my focus was getting through it (i.e. successfully not eating or drinking despite the cravings, weakness, etc.). Since I’m nursing and it was a minor fast, I gave myself permission to break the fast midday. My rabbi said it was fine. My … Continue reading What We Tell Ourselves Matters
You Play Ukulele?
I played ukulele outside during my lunch break yesterday, the warm sun shining down on me. Hadn’t played outside since I bought this new instrument two weeks ago. It was delightful. Something else happened that was a different kind of magical at the end. A man from our community with special needs came up to … Continue reading You Play Ukulele?
New Year, New Outlook: Lessons from Swimming
Last week on New Year’s Eve I had to share a swimming lane for the first time. It was especially busy. I was fortunate that someone kindly offered that I could share their lane—gym policy, but still not an easy thing to do (on either end!). It worked out fine. I stayed next to the … Continue reading New Year, New Outlook: Lessons from Swimming
New Year, Same Ol' Me
Every year I make a New Year's Resolution and every year, one month later, I can't even remember what it was. This year, aside from learning how to play the ukulele (not to be downplayed ;)) I am not making a New Year's resolution. I am continuing the work I have been doing this year: … Continue reading New Year, Same Ol' Me
Vacation: An Opportunity for Fresh Perspectives
I was blessed to spend a week visiting my family over winter break. I'm going back to my teaching job this Thursday, but still "off" these past few days. Being "off" doesn't have the same meaning it did a few years ago. I still have to take care of my toddler daughter and I still … Continue reading Vacation: An Opportunity for Fresh Perspectives
Being Your Own Person AND Your Mother's Daughter
Ever since I was a pre-teen, people told me I was so much like my mother. I looked like her. I talked like her. I laughed like her. I was nice like her. I always greeted these comments with a mixture of pride as well as abashment. I was honored to resemble my mother, whom … Continue reading Being Your Own Person AND Your Mother's Daughter
