Elul 8

Eventually, I will use the kazoo I was given for this. :)

Today's post is about the idea of social intelligence. Yes, it is what you think it is. Have you spent much time thinking about yours? Currently, I am taking a leadership development course. In this class, we have talked about the impact that you have on those around you and the importance of getting feedback. A part of social intelligence is knowing how to say things and when to say them. Another part is the listening, the hearing.

Are you able to listen to someone and hear the message they are communicating? When we listen to each other we allow ourselves to grow. Coincidentally, when you've been listened to, you feel valued and important. This is not a coincident. These interactions are positive for both parties. The person speaking will be more willing to invest in your development if they know you value their input. You, in turn, are able to grow when you synthesize this information into your life. True as a child and still true as an adult.

Elul 7

One of my favorite cities with a fabulous singer. Ask yourself this, what would you do when the world was your oyster?

I wish you the opportunity to reach your potential and the newest of starts.

Elul 6

For me transition is always signified with new friends. Whenever I move, start a new job, or a go visit a new place I meet someone new. This post goes out to Andrew Cosentino, one of my first new friends in Baltimore.

Transitions are always fun. One of my favorite things to do is approach things with an open mind and heart. I always try to adapt to my situation my getting in touch with the things that are relevant. In moments of transition, it is very easy to get caught up in the possibilities. During these moments, it is important to remember that you need to stay grounded in what really matters. Sometimes, you may need to get the help of those around you to remain on course. Thank you to Leah Flamm, Erin Syverson, and Julie Murphy for being sources of wisdom, honesty, and pure joy the past year+.

Elul 5

#reflect4rosh #blogelul

Acceptance. Normally, I would reject the word for something more inclusive such as nurturing or valuing. However, I feel that there are opportunities to accept things and appreciate them. So I'm going make one recommendation and then share a few appreciations.

Recommendation: When you appreciate someone, tell them. It's important to let them know so they understand they have touched you. It's just a nice thing to do. It'll also make you feel better. 

Kenton Summers- Thank you for being one of my oldest and best friends. You have been there for me in the times that I've needed someone most. I can't wait for Europe this winter! After 9 years we are still friends, here's to many more!

Rachel Braden- You are such a kind and giving person. You have given me so much over the years that I don't even know where to begin to thank you. Right now, you're out there doing the things that you love and making a difference in the lives of those around you. Keep rocking on.

Sue Klapper- You truly are an inspiration to all that meet you. I know that I would not be where I am today without your help and support throughout the years. The example you set has helped shape my outlook and experience with the world around me. I am always trying to pay it forward.

Elul 4

This will count for yesterday's #reflect4rosh #blogelul post.

Sometimes you make new friends that feel like old friends. Sometimes you keep old friends like you keep old wine (never let them go). Other times, you sleep and forget what you said you were going to do.

Remember that sleep is important.

Elul 3

"Look, I find some of what you teach suspect. Because I'm used to relying on intellect. But I try to open up to the things I don't know. Because reason says, I should have died three years ago." - Rent

In honor of Rent's anniversary, I'm dedicating day 3 of #reflect4rosh #blogElul to all of those out there who, like me have lost themselves somewhere along the way but never gave up hope.

In life, we are given many opportunities to engage and disengage with the world around us. It can be an overwhelming process for some. On our journey of life, we search for things that give our lives' meaning. But what are we searching for? Maybe you are looking for a Bohemian society to allow you freedom. Or possibly you are looking for a simple house with a fence to keep things on your plan.

Whatever you are looking for, the search process is not something to be overlooked. As much as the final destination matters, the journey you take to get there does as well. Had our ancestors not wandered the desert for forty years we would not have much of our rich culture. The Torah is something near and dear to our culture, something extremely significant to our narrative.

As we embark upon our journey to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we will be wishing others are inscribed into the Book of Life. We will all share Torah with each other, both Torah and torah. The torah that we each write as we live our lives, is the documentation of the journey that we are on. This journey is kept in the Torah, the collections of stories we are share -in the past, present, and future.

All of these words are just a fancy way of saying that we should stop and smell the roses. As you continue in life over the next few weeks, remember to appreciate the journey you are on. Relish and enjoy searching for yourself in the process. It will be worth the wait.

Elul 2

When is the last time that you've touched someone's life? Have you considered the impact that you have on those around you?

In a society where actions speak louder than words, why are we so caught up on the words that we say? In Judaism, one lesson that has resonated most with me is the concept of human dignity and respect. Today on my way home from dinner I passed someone that was homeless, normally I don't have anything to give someone I encounter but tonight I did. I gave the man, who said he was a veteran, the food I was going to take home. It really made me feel good, for a moment.

It was a small act for me to do that but it will definitely make an impact on his night. It also made me remember all the times I've gone past men and women like him and done nothing. I reflected on how homelessness is such a problem for our communities here. I thought about how if we would all just do one simple act, we could begin the journey to helping others in our community, working towards ending homelessness. The one small act that we need to begin with is to just see everyone and value their existence. Valuing the existence of another goes beyond acknowledging them, it requires giving them space to exist fully.

1 Elul

#reflect4rosh
As we count down the days until Rosh HaShana it's customary to reflect on the past year -your actions, decisions, and overall impact.

While a lot of others are out celebrating the extended weekend, I have been in class this weekend. Today there was a question that made me reflect on my summer internship and the concept of "doing the right thing". Why do the right thing? Does it matter if no one sees or notices? If you don't and won't get caught and it puts you ahead in life, is that okay? What about our own hypocrisy in social values?

Over the past year, I have made some efforts to try and live a more ethically/Jewishly sound life. (Not that I've been a bad person, just wanting to be a more conscious person.) But have I really kept my focus on the impact I had? No, sadly I didn't. I haven't maintained the course throughout the year. I took the opportunity and earnestly embarked but when it was inconvenient or I forgot I strayed from my original intention. I did, however, try to be a good person in my relationships with others and balance that with caring for myself more. I have spent time connecting and investing in relationships that add value to my life with people who care and accept me fully. I've also learned that I need to be willing to allow others the opportunity to get to know me and not always be so jaded about things in life. In a similar vein, I've learned that sometimes people really just won't understand despite your willingness to be vulnerable and educated. Sometimes being vulnerable just hurts and you don't have to do it.

All that said, love is still an important value in life that I will hold near and dear to my heart (literally, ask me about my tattoo). I will continue to show love to those around me and try to accept love in return. To quote "Moulin Rouge" - "The greatest thing you'll learn is to love and be loved in return."