The Game
The following excerpt is from The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig, a novel I loved so much (but which isn’t for everyone; the language is really not great). This passage made me cry.
Vision Wall
Recently I created a few vision boards and I hung them together on one wall of my room. They add so much positivity (in a good way) to my room and I totally recommend you do this too! I make vision boards by cutting out pictures and words from magazines and gluing them onto large pieces of paper. I based …
Nature Is Not the Final Word
I just read a beautiful quote from Rabbi Dr. Lord Jonathan Sacks z”l: “Nature is not the final word, for nature itself was created by a being who stands outside it and who, by making us in His image, gave us the power to stand outside it.” This is so beautiful and in line with the lessons of Chanukah. …
Fading
The Kedushas Levi writes that when a person searches and prays for something for a long time, and then they find it, the initial gratitude and excitement is so intense, it’s like a great light. With time, the intensity of the feeling fades and the person gets used to having the thing they were looking for for so long (like …
Gifts I Would Appreciate
This time of year there are a zillion gift guides everywhere. I find that when I look at most gift guides for women, I’m not into most of the suggestions. For fun, I made a list of gifts I would actually appreciate. (They seem to mostly be acts of service). gift card for massage or facial makeover + the …
Chanukah Party Visualization
In Meeting Your Half-Orange, Amy Spencer talks about visualizing different scenes from your future life with your husband as part of the fourth step of the half-orange process. I’m visualizing the Chanukah party I’m going to host (next year) with my husband. I’m adding details, from our work schedules that night to the menu, paper goods and activities. I’m frying …
Menorahs Everywhere
I love seeing menorahs in other people’s windows. It is such a happy sight and it makes me feel warm and cozy. And it reminds me not of the Chanukah miracle exactly, but of a generalized sense of peace and gratitude for the good things in life. In keeping with the idea that Chanukah is about not only open …
The One Who Told the Oil To Light
I’m excited for Chanukah to begin next week! Some years it just sneaks up on me but this year I’m ready. A quick reminder of one of the better-known answers to the question of why we celebrate eight nights of Chanukah if the miracle was only for seven (after all, the oil was expected to last through that first …
Thank You To My Readers
I just wanted to say a quick and heartfelt thank you to all of you who have been coming, reading, commenting, emailing and sharing. I really appreciate each and every one of you. My blog is so meaningful and therapeutic for me and it wouldn’t be the same without knowing I am reaching real people. Your insights and questions add …
Optimistic Playlist
Hi, all. I’ve been listening to optimistic music a lot these days — it’s really helpful! I keep playing Yaakov Shwekey’s “A Toast to Life” on a loop, and also “Kol Haneshama.” Another good one is Joey Newcomb’s “Thank You, Hashem” (of course)! When I want something slower, I love “We Are a Miracle.” (Yes, I am a Shwekey fan, …