Today is the day before tomorrow and tomorrow I am traveling back to my childhood home for a memorial for my father. He passed away 13 years ago, and every year since family and friends from the community have gathered to remember him and honor him with words of Torah—that part is my brother. He … Continue reading Why Today is Significant
Tag: mindful living
Positive Affirmations—Where Were They When I Was Growing Up?
I am currently entering round 17 of embarking on greater self-compassion. I've studied it, practiced it, but for some other reason or another—boredom with the practice, lacking time to commit, or caring for my toddler daughter—I have not sustained it long term. The greatest break was when I incurred a back injury in 2011, and … Continue reading Positive Affirmations—Where Were They When I Was Growing Up?
Tearing a Paper, Tearing a Heart
I agonized for hours over tearing open that package of wipes. The Jewish holiday of Sukkot started Sunday night, and until Tuesday night, those who observe the holiday more stringently are careful not to tear. (Along with some other practices they refrain from: going to work, driving a car, using electricity—the list goes on...) Then … Continue reading Tearing a Paper, Tearing a Heart
Patience IS a Virtue: Professional Development and Personal Growth
I recently started working on a new nutrition website and Instagram page with my friend who has training in coding and digital marketing. She wants to plan Instagram posts ahead of time; organize photos based on themes, etc—something I have always wanted to do, just didn't have the time or resources available. I also didn't … Continue reading Patience IS a Virtue: Professional Development and Personal Growth
Less Self-Conscious About Being Self-Conscious
When I took my Pilates certification course, I was 20 years old. I was the second youngest of the 30 women there, but that had little to do with my anxiety when I got assessed. I was always a self-conscious person. Constantly second-guessing myself, an incessant voice in my head telling me what I was … Continue reading Less Self-Conscious About Being Self-Conscious
Self-Acceptance: Seeing Yourself in a Realistic Light
Continuing thoughts from last Friday's post, another reason why I'm not great with constructive criticism is that I always feel like I am getting graded. I was always concerned about my grades in school. I wasn't the best in all the subjects, but I had straight As in math/science/Jewish classes which upped my GPA from … Continue reading Self-Acceptance: Seeing Yourself in a Realistic Light
Creative Writing Is My Jam
One of the things I like about working in a preschool is being able to use my communication and writings skills. In particular, I enjoy writing a weekly synopsis for the parents of what we did each week. Today, it was suggested that I look over another teacher's weekly summary. I took this very personally. … Continue reading Creative Writing Is My Jam
Stress Management Tips
Stress needs to be managed moment to moment, as well as daily, so it doesn't build up to the point of lashing out. Practicing healthy coping mechanisms for stress throughout the day (e.g. breathing, light stretching, positive affirmations) helps diffuse the stress so it doesn't build up. Doing a mindfulness practice for a few minutes … Continue reading Stress Management Tips
Technology Makes Tasks Easier, But Not the Task of Living in the Moment
Yesterday I deposited a check at the bank and did each step painstakingly to make sure it went through. It's a simple process, but sometimes the simple things are harder for me, since I have issues trusting that things are really supposed to go smoothly. It gives me a sense of control if my hard … Continue reading Technology Makes Tasks Easier, But Not the Task of Living in the Moment
Increased Self-Compassion Breeds Greater Compassion for Others
One day I was driving through the local shopping center, and I thought about how far removed I felt from the person walking in front of the stop sign in which I was stopped. I was ready to continue driving the instant that person cleared the area. Why I myself am a pedestrian I feel … Continue reading Increased Self-Compassion Breeds Greater Compassion for Others
