A few weeks ago I cooked a brisket, which I sliced and then froze.
It was my opening salvo to get ready for the holidays which begin next Sunday
evening with the celebration of Rosh Hashonah, the Jewish New Year. It's not
exactly like December 31. No Waterford
But before I begin 5773, the year in the Jewish calendar, I
like to look back over the previous 12 months, give thanks for my blessings,
recognize the lessons learned, apologize to those I've offended, focus on areas
of improvement, and set goals for the future.
It's that last one that has me thinking. Recently I wrote a
blog about our summer vacation and titled it, "Always Better in the Retelling."
It's how we all now laugh uproariously at the trials and tribulations of past
family vacations. But I'd like to change that for the future. Not the laughing
part or the shared family memories. But instead, my hope for the New Year,
besides a most fervent one of good health for family and friends, is both
complicated and simple.
I'd like to learn how to enjoy the moment when it's happening
– and not just after it's finally over. Too often I allow my fears and
insecurities to overwhelm me and preclude me from being fully immersed in what is happening. My mind is going a mile a minute, instead of slowing down to admire the passing scenery so to speak.
Or sometimes I find myself so caught up in the minutia of preparing for the
holiday or family celebration, that I'm too tired or too busy to enjoy it once it's here. Or at times I realize that I'm missing my loved ones who have died so much that I fail to savor those around me.
In short, I don't want to enjoy life by looking at and then enjoying the
videotape (real or figurative) – but rather learn to focus and appreciate the "right now." I don't want to live so much in the past or project so far into the future that I
miss the present. It's a journey for sure, but I begin it in 5773.
I wish for each and every one of you L'Shana Tova, which
means "For a Good Year." May it be filled with health, happiness,
family, friends, and joy.
Marian aka The Northern Half of Evelyn David
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Wow! So well said Marian.
ReplyDeleteI think we all could stand to slow down and enjoy the NOW.
Thanks Laura.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and yours a healthy, happy New Year.
Marian
You're so right, Marian! Rosh Hashanah has always been a time for my family to re-examine how we're living our lives and set better goals for living them in the new year. (My husband's Jewish.) At dinner with our extended family-of-choice to celebrate the holiday, we always go around the table to ask what we want to have more of in the coming year. This year, my answer, like yours, is awareness and appreciation of the current moment, to be a participant in life rather than a spectator. L'Shanah Tovah!
ReplyDeleteThese holidays are called the Days of Awe, I believe and it is always my hope to be able to honor those who are gone, and relish my time with those who are here. To honor the difficulties of life and also see the beauty and joy that we have in our hands everyday. As I get older, there is more awe as the Universe gives us so much, even it is a little harder to move around. L'shanah tova, and enjoy your loved ones.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda and Lil. You gave me more to think about in the Days of Awe.
ReplyDeleteL'Shana Tova
Marian