What might it be like to get to know someone through writing letters instead of dating? Couldn’t that be a nice change, and revealing in refreshing ways? I think I could be more real and true to myself given the time to formulate what I want to say and the safety of the page to say it.(And wouldn’t this make …
My sister pointed out that timing can mean the difference between success or failure. If you want to buy a house, but you can’t afford it, then even if you find a great house in a great neighborhood at an objectively good price, it’s not good for you. It will be a headache and a strain and you will risk …
Apartment living made me more aware of the changing seasons. Having responsibilities in a house can do that. In the spring, we installed A/C units, in the fall we removed them. Before fall turned to winter, we filled the oil tank, then we prayed for nice weather all winter long so the boiler wouldn’t burn through the oil too …
Forever ago, I wrote bucket lists for winter, spring, and summer. I finally present to you a list for fall: Go apple picking. Warm up beside a fire pit. Bake a pie. Buy a sweater you will wear over and over again (I have this and love it). Make a pot of soup. Rake the leaves. Invite a friend …
Years ago I listened to a shiur about the ushpizin by Mrs. Shira Smiles and since then, I have felt more tangibly the specialness of sitting in the succah. The air is the air of Gan Eden. I’m excited for Succos! When I have my own succah to decorate, here’s what I think it needs: Posters beruchim haba’im …
I read the most beautiful quote from Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z”l about forgiveness: Forgiveness means that we are not destined endlessly to replay the grievances of yesterday. It is the ability to live with the past without being held captive by the past. It would not be an exaggeration to say that forgiveness is the most compelling testimony to …
On Motzoei Yom Kippur 2020, I started learning a lesson a day of shmiras haloshon and posting it on our family chat. I would record myself reading from Guard Your Tongue by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin. Once we finished the book, I bought Master Your Words, Master Your Life by Chana Nestlebaum and continued with that. In January (2022) I conked …
This time of year, I have been known to write about my vision for the year ahead. I’m not doing that this year. After years of focusing lots of energy on visioning and manifesting and trying to bring in the best year ever, I want to take it one day at a time, whatever each day brings. My friend …
This summer I turned thirty, and this summer I also moved back to my parents’ house. Wham-bam. Near the end of our lease, I made the decision not to sign it again. It was time for a change. I learned a tremendous amount, grew so much, and cannot recommend moving out of your parent’s house highly enough. However, that …
Something I’m thinking about: we can have a meaningful impact on other people’s children, just by being healthy, safe adults who take an interest in them. That is significant — children thrive when adults provide love, safety, consistency, positive role modeling, and positive regard. To me this is mothering before becoming a mother, to be this motherly force on the …
