ALONG OUR TRAIN RIDE OF LIFE: SEPT. 2021

Shalom dear Readers:

In Psalm 121, we read: 'I lift my eyes up to the hills; from where does my help come? My help comes from the  Lord, Maker of heaven and earth.'

This month of Elul leads up to Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. tTis month is a fitting time to notice and appreciate the goodness and grace that G./Hashem showers upon us as well as the generosity that others share with us. Elul is a wonderful time to pick up the phone to send a quick message to someone, thanking them for a kindness done,  in the days prior to Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year.

It challenges us to feel appreciativeness and gratefulness for G.'s mercy (even when we are at home/ in bed/alone, to use our blessings for the good of others. Let us aim to practice gratefulness for WHAT IS, and to try to complain less (and that is a difficult challenge). It is a unique, special time in our calendar. 

Let's think of some everyday miracles in our midst:

Fresh coffee, a phone call from an old friend, good music to listen to, to sing along when possible, etc. You add on more of your own miracles for you.

We will not be remembered by our words but by our deeds. life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath! Let's each search for our personal things that take our breath!

Can we be less a 'difficult' patient? to fear is o'kay. But: FEEL THE FEAR, BUT DO IT ANYWAYS! Let's reach out to others, let's try positivity, prayer and acceptance of what is. We can't change the situation, but we can try coping tips as mentioned above, or whatever helps you!

I close with my prayers for all of us to adjust to our life as best we can, and to wish all of us a  HEALTHY NEW YEAR, both physically and mentally.

CHW

chayaofjerusalem.blogspot.co.il

 

 

July, 2021

Shalom dear readers:

How do we find JOY?

We all know that suffering is part of life. All human beings at some point, go through tough times. What can I do to change the negative, or rather to tune above the negative into good thoughts? Such a difficult decision to make! We so much want to live, have a life, see the good each day, and not focus on our possibility of death soon.

As I struggled recently with physical and mental situations, that left me smashed physically and mainly mentally. I suddenly remembered – let’s see what I still have to be GRATEFUL FOR:

1.

2.

3.

The higher happiness that I can strive for, will have me focus less on my grief.  Can I accept whatever GOOD is in my life?

IS WHAT I AM DOING/FEELING good or negative for me? Is my thinking helping or harming me?

I suggest that we write down three (3) strategies that will help us in our attitude and actions. Each one of us will have different strategies of coping. But let’s check with ourselves that we are adapting positive things in our lives, no matter how simple they are, in order to feel good, TO FIND JOY!

This practice of RESILIENCE will hopefully benefit us more than the medications that we have to take, and will open the door for us to receive and accept love that is coming our way from friends, family, neighbors.

I wish us all a good month of August despite all the negative that may rear its head, but paying attention to the GOOD in our life. G. bless!

CHW

Chayaofjerusalem.blogspot.co.il

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Chaya/Harriet Weinberg

Jerusalem, Israel

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Shalom  to all on our ride on the train of life, this July 2021.

I read recently a short sentence. ‘A smile can make you happy! That right away reminded me of the famous song of Nat King Cole:

“Smile though your heart is aching

Smile even though it’s breaking

When there are clouds in the sky

You’ll get by

 

If you smile

Through your fear and sorrow

Smile and maybe tomorrow

You’ll see the sun come shining through for you    etc. etc.

 

At this time along our train ride through life, we have had to deal with the “Miami disaster”, of many of our Jewish brethren. I heard many bereaved family members saying: “If only I had told him/her that I love her, that I miss her, if only I had visited her this week, etc.

 

That is why we must make EACH MINUTE COUNT!

 

We also have the return of the Corona, plus a heat wave to contend with, restricting many of us in our homes again.

So I ask myself: how do we ‘savor’ each moment that we have, how do we appreciate life as it is, with our physical difficulties and mental adjustments to make?

 

Can we try to make note of the good things around us, can we THINK POSITIVELY?

 

Research show that even small, simple activities can improve our overall well-being. Examples for me would be speaking to a close friend even far away, hearing her voice, sharing a special few moments together, reading a good book, sharing a coffee with loved ones, praying for another’s refuah/healing in health.

 

Some our mankind have achieved great things despite their fierce handicaps-e.g. Vincent van Gogh.

 

I send you my best wishes as we share our ride on the train of life. May we all find something positive to focus on each moment in time.

 

CHW

chayaw@blogspot.co.il

Hopefully, I will send the next blog on What’s app as well.

 

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Chaya/Harriet Weinberg

Jerusalem, Israel

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