I am reading over a series of lectures my mother created on the Book of Samuel, most specifically centering on Chana’s prayer (Chana was Samuel’s mother). I realized while reviewing these lectures, that they were presented in a much more interesting and insightful way than how I originally learned this book in middle school (I … Continue reading Balancing Education with Inspiration: Cultivating Long-Term Observance in Religious Schools

At the end of my book, First Comes Self-Love, Then Comes Marriage, I list a series of books and websites that helped me in my journey of self-discovery and self-love. Had I known The Mastery of Love by don Miguel Ruiz existed, I would have put this book at the top of the list (well, … Continue reading The Magical Kitchen and How It Will Change Your Life

In The Mastery of Love by don Miguel Ruiz, on page 29, he discusses how a toddler expresses love/happiness, running and jumping, then mom yells at them for going in street and they see it’s no longer safe to run/play, feel this love/joy, because parents punish you for it. First of all—wow, seeing the world … Continue reading Where Did the Pure Joy of Our Childhood Go?

The first of the Four Agreements is to be impeccable with your word. But what does that mean? In The Four Agreements, don Miguel Ruiz states: Impeccability means “without sin,” where pecatus is Latin for “sin” and “im-” is a prefix which means “without.” “Religions talk about sin and sinners, but let’s understand what it … Continue reading The Four Agreements Series #3: Sin Means Going Against Yourself

In the chapter preceding the first of the Four Agreements, don Miguel Ruiz shares an idea that was so powerful for me to read, as it shed so much light on my past experiences. As I referenced in my book First Comes Self-Love, Then Comes Marriage, in the essay, “Why Disney Princesses Suck!” the effects … Continue reading The Four Agreements Series #2: The Amount of Abuse We Accept from Others is Equal to That Which We Inflict upon Ourselves

I read The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz over the weekend. It was the Day of Atonement, aka Yom Kippur, and the air was ripe for self-reflection and self-growth. I was excited to delve into this book that I have heard so many great things about, but never got a chance to purchase. After … Continue reading The Four Agreements Series #1: Introduction

This Sunday morning there was an event at my local community center at 8:30 am. I had been looking forward to this event, but I also knew that I am not a morning person, so I was not fully committed to going. In the end I went, despite my less than favorable amount of sleep … Continue reading Release Judgment of Others, a More Compassionate Approach

Yesterday was my father’s 11th yahrzeit (“anniversary of death”). This was the first year that I wasn't home with my family commemorating this day with our community. (My brother studies an entire tractate of Talmud each year to make a siyum—a celebratory meal, which is done, among other times, when one completes a tractate of … Continue reading On Grieving for My Father: Keeping His Memory Alive

Don't get me wrong, my mother rocks and my grandmothers were amazing. But in my pursuit of growing my nutrition private practice, it is my male role models that most come to mind. My father, a doctor, ran his private practice for 35 years. My mom's father owned a liquor store for about the same … Continue reading Inspirational Guidance from Strong Male Role Models

Recently, I stopped a meaningful volunteer position since the organization no longer needed my services. Deep down, I knew this was a short-term gig, but I wasn't sure how long it would last. And when it became clear that it would be ending soon, I was feeling quite distressed. My mother gave me some words … Continue reading Ending a Job Doesn’t Negate the Good You Did While You Were There