“I’m pretty sure my dad doesn’t love me.” Those words rang in my mind days after they were spoken to me. A friend of mine was expressing that this was the impression he received from his father, in light of his being less religious than his upbringing. He didn’t fit the mold for what his … Continue reading Parenting and Unconditional Love: The Four Questions About the Four Sons

As I referenced in my previous post, the evening that I got injured was preceded by a day full of angst and negative self-talk. While I was even more frustrated and annoyed after having injured myself, another part of me felt relief. It’s weird that being in pain would bring me a feeling a relief—that sounds … Continue reading Lessons in Self-Compassion from Back Pain: Part Two

It’s fascinating how one’s body reflects one’s emotions; how one’s mental state of mind can be manifested physically. It’s fascinating. And in my case, it’s also painful. I tend to push myself hard. I pushed myself too hard with core exercises a couple days ago, after noticing BUT ignoring the slight pain I was having … Continue reading Back Pain is BACK; A Lesson in Self-Compassion

I had to forego my jog today because I overdid it with back/core exercises yesterday to the point of giving myself a backache. I go for a jog once or twice a week, no more than that, but I really look forward to that rush of endorphins and feeling empowered in my body. Needless to … Continue reading Exercise Makes You Happy and So Does Giving to Others

I started using Siri recently and it's taught me a lot about assertiveness.  Siri only properly understands you when you say your words clearly and continuously. As somebody who struggles with self-doubt and second-guessing themselves, this has been hard for me. But I see it as an exciting challenge to help me refine my communication skills.  Wouldn't … Continue reading iPhone’s Siri’s Lesson on Assertiveness

I have a love/hate relationship with structure. On the one hand, it gives me a sense of security to know what to expect. On the other hand, I feel imprisoned and all I want to do is break out! This conflicted relationship with structure may seem minute, but it has led to some of the … Continue reading Lessons from My Newborn’s Naptime: Having a Schedule is the Ultimate Form of Self-Care

Giving birth is one of the most magical moments. Experiencing the culmination as a life that has been living inside of you and developing for nine months comes outside of your body is amazing. It is inexplicable. Another thing that struck me about the process of giving birth is the feeling that one has when … Continue reading Feeling at Peace with Oneself; The Wholeness of a Newborn

I recently sold some old jewelry I owned that had been lying around for many years, which I never wore. There was one item that I hesitated to sell after trying it on again—I didn’t want to get rid of it after all. When I decided to keep it I promised myself that I would … Continue reading Am I Worth As Much as the Necklace I Wear?

I’ve always understood the Sabbath’s primary purpose as recognizing G-d as the Creator of the world. That is the theme of the sacred text of the Kiddush, the prayer recited prior to both Friday night dinner and Saturday lunch. And that is why we are commanded to refrain from doing work on the Sabbath (the … Continue reading Soul Awareness Day

With the Olympics under way, I got ice skating on my mind. Ice skating contains a great metaphor for life: the balance between the technical and the artistic—the two factors on which a skater is scored. On the one hand, there are rules to life, aspects that are mandatory within it. On the other hand, … Continue reading Ice Skating’s Lesson for Life: Balancing Technique with Artistry