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
Author: Gila Daman
Latest release: Inner Piece: Decluttering a Soul. Also by Gila: Pandemic Poetry, She Pooped, I'm Pooped!: Motherhood Year One, First Comes Self-Love, Then Comes Marriage, and The Roadmap Ends Here: Entering Adulthood.
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
The Miracle of Hanukkah
The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah celebrates how a small group of Jews defeated the mighty Greek army when the Greeks were oppressing them—not allowing them to practice Judaism. Many Jews at that time were assimilating into Greek culture and becoming Hellenists. Hanukkah celebrates those Jews who stayed true to their tradition and resisted the pressure … Continue reading The Miracle of Hanukkah
Give the Gift of Presence
With the commercialized holidays of Hanukkah and Christmas coming up, it makes me wonder, "Why does it have to be so focused on the material?" Maybe this is my budget talking, but I prefer non-material presence. Ideas include: 10-minute massage30-minute heart-to-heart phone callAn hour of free childcare! These options save on money and clutter and, … Continue reading Give the Gift of Presence
Early-Morning Gym-Goers and Overall Success
Recently I've been going to the gym in the early morning to exercise. My first day, the front desk person said he likes how early-morning gym-goers know what they want, have their sh** together, and get in and get out. This made me wonder: Is there a correlation between going to the gym in the … Continue reading Early-Morning Gym-Goers and Overall Success
From Corporate to Chaos: How Becoming a Mom Changed My Career Path
There is something I really miss about having a desk job. And that is: it was even-keeled (for the most part). Now that also made it boring at times, which is why I was eager to branch out away from it. I don’t mind doing nothing sometimes, but doing nothing in a small office without … Continue reading From Corporate to Chaos: How Becoming a Mom Changed My Career Path
Mindful Nuggets 