This is when the end of summer accelerates and we hurtle towards the Yomim Noraim. Last year I wrote about how this time of year is “a zone of sadness and anxiety” and it sure can be: it can be wonderful, of course, but there is also the prospect of arriving at another Rosh Hashanah with my life not having changed in the way I had hoped — prayed — needed it to change this year, and not knowing how to feel going into another Yomim Noraim in this situation. As it turned out last year, I was sick with a stomach bug and never went to shul on Rosh Hashanah which was…the respite I needed. But I sure hope I don’t get another stomach bug and it’s more likely than not that I’ll be going to shul. Where? I do not know. (I had plans to go to my cousin last year, that didn’t pan out, maybe this year.)
As of this writing, I am feeling somewhat better than I did this time last year, because (as shared in drips and drabs in my summer newsletter posts) I’ve been working on a few projects. This is giving me a sense of something to look forward to and focus on going into the fall.
These projects are:
obtaining Austrian citizenship
starting to see private clients
applying for remote teaching jobs
Because…
I want…
To travel this year.
Like a lot.
I have no idea what lies in store and what will be realistic for me. But I need a change on multiple levels – change of job, change of living arrangements, new experiences.
Working through The Artist’s Way has really helped me move forward on all of these projects.
So whatever happens, they are propelling me forward.
How are you feeling about this time of year?
(Photo credit: Darya Chervatyuk/Pexels)
