#BlogElul: Forgive

My father often tells me I expect too much.

He is right -- and I am frequently disappointed and frustrated.

I expect a lot (I'm not sure it's too much) from others and I expect a lot (again, I'm not sure it's too much) from myself.

With high expectations it is difficult to forgive -- myself and, unfortunately, others as well.

How long will it take me to learn to cut everyone -- including myself -- some slack?

Inspired by Ima on (and off) the Bima, this #BlogElul post is one in a series marking the days of the Hebrew month of Elul, which precedes the Jewish High Holidays and traditionally serves as a time of reflection and spiritual preparation for the new year.

BlogElul: Trust

When someone passes my work off as hers, it’s hard to be a trusting soul.

When the bodega cashier says a sandwich and fruit costs $10-something, but $32 and change shows up on my credit card statement, it’s hard to be a trusting soul.

When illness and death fell people long before what might reasonably be considered their time, it’s hard to be a trusting soul.

When slogging through days surrounded by heartless nastiness, it’s hard to be a trusting soul.

What does it take to maintain a reasonable balance between being a trusting soul and being a sucker?

Is there an equilibrium that exists between fool and trusting soul?

Although I keep looking for that balance, it seems to keep alluding me.

Inspired by Ima on (and off) the Bima, this #BlogElul post is one in a series marking the days of the Hebrew month of Elul, which precedes the Jewish High Holidays and traditionally serves as a time of reflection and spiritual preparation for the new year.

#BlogElul: Count

Count your blessings.

Every day.

Even when the world feels dark and unfair, blessings are out there: friends who love you, a new day, a clean slate, a lesson learned, a hand to hold, a gentle hug – given and received.

Kisses.

A kind word.

Fluffy clouds.

A song.

Camaraderie.

A cardinal in spring.

Community.

A smile.

A rainbow.

Blessings.

Count them.

Savor them.

Be them.

They’re life’s truest riches.

Blessings.

Inspired by Ima on (and off) the Bima, this #BlogElul post is one in a series marking the days of the Hebrew month of Elul, which precedes the Jewish High Holidays and traditionally serves as a time of reflection and spiritual preparation for the new year.