The month of Elul is about to end. As I wrote on one of the first days of Elul, when the period of self-assessment begins, we are 30 days into the 40 day period of determining how we can make our lives- and the lives of others- better. (You can also search for Elul in the index to the left and see more of my thoughts on this “resolution-making” period.)
I have been examining how I can improve over the past few weeks. I hope you all have been doing so, too. Not because you are Jewish- or not- but because we need to evaluate where we all routinely- and plan how to become better still. Besides, the pandemic has given us plenty of time for introspection!
This Friday night is not only the start of Shabat, but the start of the holiday of Rosh Hashana- the New Year. The end of Elul- leaving me- and you- only 10 days left to complete our self-assessments, determining what changes we should effect, how we can help others, and ensure we leave this world just a little better off because we walked upon it’s surface.
These are the questions we must answer…
What do we really want to see happen for us next year? Not just one thing- but two, three, or four. (No, winning the lottery doesn’t count as a valid choice!) And, that means we need to list two or three small steps we will make- NOW, not tomorrow- to make it possible for these three or four things not to be a dream, but a reality before the next Elul rolls around.
What are we really afraid may occur for us in the next year? I’m guessing you- like me- can think of a whole bunch of them. But limit this assessment to two or three, because we want to devote our time to their preclusion.
A big task always happens by making the little steps. And, that’s what this exercise is for- to find those little steps to insure we make progress.
My list includes financial changes, helping my smaller clients become the bigger ventures of which they dream, and to find time to help folks learn how to develop products, processes, and ventures successfully. Without sacrificing the time I devote to my family and friends.
And, it would be really useful to put your list to paper (or perhaps to computer as I do) now? That way we can review often during the coming months.
May you be inscribed in the book of life. And, have a glass of wine on me. (Remember- I did explain that alcohol study a while ago!)
On a more sacrilegious note, I saw this cartoon the other day and it’s worth sharing given the events of tonight!
Then RBG died (not unexpected, but it still shocked me) and I was plunged into a feeling of hopelessness. As someone who started out college as a history major, I should know better – things can and do get better, but only if we act. RBG wouldn’t want to see me feeling sorry for myself. Your suggestion, then, are more important than ever.
Alana recently posted..Frosty
And, today, you will see how I respond to the passing of RBG!
Very thought provoking. As usual, insightful and inspiring. Thank you.
L’Shana Tova vmituka.
S
Gam ken lach. Hope your holiday was grand.