Monica Berg's Blog

There is an emotional status quo that comes with modern life that is rarely discussed. This is likely due to the fact that on the surface, nothing is really “wrong” per se. It’s an existential gray area where life isn’t falling apart, but it’s not exactly inspiring either. You’re waking up, doing your routine, tending to responsibilities, checking your emails, checking your boxes. Everything is skipping along, and you’re doing… fine.

But you’re not fine.

You’re not unhappy, but you’re definitely not lit up. You’re far from suffering, but nothing is exciting. There are no breaking points or crises, but there’s nothing happening on the other end of that spectrum either.

It’s all just very… meh.

Welcome to the epidemic of modern living. It’s even reflected in recent headlines describing everything from AI, to the economy, to Gen X:

“Opinion: Why we’re living in a meh economy” – CNN
“How ‘Meh’ AI Could Cost Companies More Than it Saves” – Bloomberg
“Talking ‘Bout Meh Generation” – New York Times

Merriam-Webster defines it as “an expression of indifference or mild disappointment” and synonyms include “boring,” “unimpressive,” and “apathetic.”

Makes you feel “meh” just talking about it. But this is where the seemingly unnoticeable fog of listlessness becomes the wake up call.

Want to know the root source of all the meh? You aren’t growing. You aren’t being challenged. Everything is a little too comfortable, or perhaps mildly uncomfortable but in ways that you’ve grown accustomed to.

If your life has suddenly been reduced to grayscale, it’s time to snap yourself back into technicolor. Here are a few ways to wake up out of the haze:

First, try getting Un-busy. When every moment is filled with scrolling, multitasking, working, responding, consuming, there is no time to sit with ourselves long enough to hear the quiet voice of our soul. Schedule time in your day, even if it’s just 15 minutes to check in with your feelings, read a page of a book that interests you, or even just sip some tea and gaze out your window.

Next, get really curious. And I mean about everything. Get curious about your thoughts and what they’re telling you. Get curious about the people in your life, ask them about their day in a meaningful way and really listen. Research the history of your hometown, learn something about the artist of your current favorite song, if there is something that you’re enjoying, learn about it!

Lastly, do something imperfectly. This can also mean, try something new! Let yourself be messy, let yourself be a beginner. Go rollerskating. Decorate cookies. Sing karaoke. It doesn’t have to be your area of expertise and it’s better if it’s not. Part of getting stuck in “meh” is an aversion to any kind of discomfort—but this also means no joy, either. Step a toe outside your comfort zone with one intention only: to have fun.

Kabbalah teaches that our soul is designed for aliveness. We are meant to feel. Not just the good feelings but the painful ones too. We are meant to experience vibrancy, curiosity, joy, and discomfort because what our souls long for is the change that comes from transformation. Just as the caterpillar longs for the goopy discomfort of her metamorphosis into a butterfly, so too do our souls long to feel the exhilaration of everything life has to offer.

Falling into the comfortable confines of the expected, the good-enoughness, or the predictable might feel like an accomplishment but I assure you it’s not. Without allowing for the low-lows, we also lose out on the highest highs.

You didn’t arrive in this life to get to the end of it and say “yeah, that was fine.” To quote Doctor Who, the longest running science fiction television show, “We’re all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?”

The post Feeling a Little “Meh” Lately? appeared first on Monica Berg.

A miracle is something many of us have longed for, at least once, throughout our lives—the transformation of a relationship, the healing of a physical ailment in ourselves or a loved one, financial freedom, meeting our soulmate, having a child. We set intentions, make plans, create budgets, and visualize change. But often, even after all the work that is in our control is done, we feel stuck. Maybe I didn’t do enough? Maybe I wasn’t spiritual enough? So, we try harder.

But what if trying harder is what’s keeping our miracle from being able to land?

No better time to contemplate the nature of miracles than this month, the month of Sagittarius. We have left behind the heavy energy of Scorpio and are stepping into the expansive energy of this fire sign. Sagittarius is adventurous, endlessly optimistic, and because it’s ruled by Jupiter, also carries the energy of good luck, abundance, and—you guessed it—miracles. Sagittarius may be an explorer, a world traveler, a seeker, but pushing harder and working harder are not part of the equation.

The ancient Chinese had a name for this: Wu Wei (無為). It translates to “non-action” or “effortless action.” It’s the art of flowing with life instead of forcing it. A river doesn’t struggle to reach the ocean; it simply follows its course. Wu Wei teaches that alignment—not effort—is what brings results. In Kabbalistic terms, this is the practice of creating an opening for Light to enter rather than trying to control how the Light arrives.

It reminds me of a parable, recounted in both the Bible and The Zohar, about the wife of Ovadyahu, who found herself drowning in debt after her husband’s death. Desperate, she turned to the prophet Elisha for help. Elisha asked her, “Tell me, what do you have in your house?” She replied, “I have nothing… except a small measure of oil.”

Elisha smiled and said, “You have now given me an opening.”

From that small amount of oil—just enough to cover her fingertip—came a miracle. The oil overflowed, filling vessel after vessel until she could sell it all and pay her debts in full. The Zohar explains that blessings do not rest upon emptiness; they need a vessel, a point of awakening from below. That single drop of oil represented her willingness to participate—to make a small move, a small act of faith—and the Creator met her there with abundance.

Willingness. Allowing. Surrendering. Releasing. It is through this non-doing that we are able to create space for blessings, or miracles, to arrive. It’s kind of the antithesis to what we’re taught, right? We think success or miracles only happen when we push, strive, and plan relentlessly. Kabbalah teaches that miracles occur when we become vessels, not managers. When we stop pushing and start trusting, the Light can finally do its work.

This truth is amplified this month so let’s work with it! Rather than forcing outcomes, this New Moon invites us to practice non-doing—to engage with our lives through conscious allowing, small action, and deep trust. Here are three things to try:

Slow Your Reactions

When something goes awry, resist the urge to immediately fix it. Pause. Breathe. Let the moment exist without interference. Pausing does not equal passivity, it’s merely a chance to get present. Often, what we call “problems” are just processes unfolding. By allowing them to be for a moment without fixing, you create space for solutions and synchronicities to appear. When you release resistance, clarity emerges on its own.

Spend Time Savoring

We don’t even realize how we rush through our joys. We are always onto the next task, the next post, the next goal. The practice of savoring allows us to fully receive what’s already here: a meal, a hug, the way your bed feels when you wake up, the feeling of sunlight on your skin. Savoring magnifies gratitude and presence, which are the fertile ground of miracles. When you truly receive your life, you invite more. Appreciation multiplies abundance.

Take Tiny Actions, Then Let Go

The widow’s oil reminds us that miracles often begin with something small: a single gesture, a phone call, a willingness to try. This is what effortless action looks like—taking a tiny step and then releasing attachment to the outcome. Take one aligned step toward what you want, no matter how small, and then allow the universe to meet you halfway. Trust that what you’ve set in motion will unfold in its own perfect time..

Miracles, in Kabbalistic understanding, are co-creations between us, the Creator, and the Universe. The Creator wants to give us everything—joy, love, fulfillment—but cannot impose it upon us. Our free will is the bridge. When we take even the smallest inspired action like the widow’s drop of oil or make space through non-doing, we signal our readiness.

During the month of Sagittarius, the energy of expansion and faith is strong. Miracles are so much closer than we think—in fact, they’re surrounding you even now. We don’t experience them because we’ve earned them or proved ourselves, we experience them when we allow them to land. As Winston Churchill, a Sagittarian himself, once said: “Continuous effort—not strength or intelligence—is the key to unlocking our potential.” I like to think he was speaking about that same effortless action. The effort of practicing certainty when we’re in doubt or choosing joy when we’re feeling fear.

This month, instead of pushing, try pausing. Instead of striving, reconnect to certainty. Allow space for the Light to move through you and watch as your entire life blooms with miracles big and small.

The post Sagittarius: Miracles and the Case for Non-Doing appeared first on Monica Berg.

We’ve all seen it. We might have even done it ourselves once or twice. We log onto Facebook and find a cryptic social media post that goes something like, “I am just beyond words right now,” or “Just when you think someone is your friend…” Even popular online publications have borrowed this practice to generate ever more clickable headlines. You know the ones:

“The One Weird Trick Will Save Your Life!”
“It Was Supposed to Be a Simple Birthday. You Won’t Believe What Happened Next.”
“[Insert Celebrity Name] was FUMING”

No context. No substance. Just a concoction of words that create enough mystery that we find ourselves curiously interested. But these are just marketing tactics, inciting enough sensationalization to get clicks on their articles. They’re known as “clickbait” for a reason!

When it comes to personal posts, though, the effect is somewhat more deteriorative. These kinds of posts from friends or family are vague enough to make everyone curious and emotional enough to invite concern. And suddenly the comments start rolling in:

“Are you okay?”
“What happened?”
“Sending love!”

This behavior, like clickbait, also has a name: vaguebooking. It was coined in 2009 (during the rise of Facebook, of course) and is defined by Urban Dictionary as “an intentionally vague Facebook status update that prompts friends to ask what’s going on or is possibly a cry for help.” Basically, the act of posting something intentionally ambiguous or emotionally charged as a means to draw attention, sympathy, or validation.

But this isn’t about judgment, especially because many of us have been there. Maybe we’ve had a fight with a loved one, a hard day at work, or we’re just feeling confused or unseen. In the moment, turning to a platform designed for connection and posting as a means to feel connected seems natural. However, without consciousness we’ll only find ourselves falling into a deeper hole.

From a kabbalistic and spiritual perspective, vaguebooking—especially when it involves relationships or exes—reveals a desire for external validation. When we post something cryptic or emotionally charged, hoping others will read between the lines, what we’re really expressing is our longing to be seen, heard, and understood. But seeking that recognition through ambiguity won’t provide us with what we really want—connection.

Kabbalah teaches that fulfillment doesn’t come from external attention, but from internal transformation. Instead of vaguely sharing, we can ask ourselves: what am I truly feeling, and what do I actually want? From there, we can communicate honestly and heal the connections with the most important people in our lives.

So what can we do when we feel the urge to post vaguely? Here are a few things you can do instead:

If your emotions are running high—step away from all screens

Anytime we can feel reactivity rising, remember that there is power in pausing.

Kabbalah would say these are the moments custom-designed for you. Not as punishment, but as an opportunity to evolve. If you’re angry, heartbroken, or disappointed, firing off a vague social media post on Facebook or anywhere else might feel satisfying for a second—but it’s still an energy grab, a reaction born of lack.

Instead, pause and just breathe. Notice what’s happening inside you. You don’t need to make the feelings disappear—you just need to create enough space to recognize them before they take over.

If you’re looking for support, ask for it clearly

DON’T”: “I just feel like giving up.
DO: “Today was a tough day for me, I could really use some support. Can you leave your favorite practices for turning a tough day around in the comments?”

This doesn’t overshare but lets your friends and followers know you need some support and gives them a clear way to give you that support. If you need specific support or to share in more detail, reaching out to people directly is the best way to go. There is nothing wrong with needing to vent but without the right consciousness, venting can be indulgent leading us away from what we’re ultimately seeking.

Post something you’re grateful for instead

Nothing turns a tough moment around like gratitude. Sharing a photo of something or someone you love, a good part of your day, or an article or book that is inspiring you can bring way more joy than a vague post ever could. Not only will you be cultivating your own positive feelings, you’ll be inviting your friends and followers to enjoy and expand those good feelings with you.
You’ll be receiving the connection you’re looking for and boosting your day and someone else’s too.

The next time you feel tempted to post something like “Wow. Just wow.” —take a breath. Step away from your screen and look out the window, reconnect to the Light, and ask for guidance. The attention you’re seeking might just be your own.

The post Before You Vaguebook, Try This Instead appeared first on Monica Berg.

Now that the glow of the High Holidays is beginning to subside it’s natural for things to feel a bit heavy. We’ve just come through weeks filled with deep spiritual energy, reflection, connection, and renewal—so when the dust settles, we might notice old habits creeping back in. Maybe you’re noticing those old reactions. Judgments. Irritation. Comparison. The little things that tug us away from the Light we just worked so hard to connect to.

But I have good news: the Light we awakened last month isn’t gone. It’s fuel. And this month—under the cosmic influence of the New Moon of Scorpio—that Light becomes incredibly potent. Kabbalists teach that any positive action we take during the month of Scorpio now carries more power than at any other time of year. Why is that? Scorpio is the only month that is devoid of any kabbalistic holidays, giving it a bad rap for being dark and gloomy. But that gloominess brings us a bright opportunity.

In Hebrew, Scorpio is called Mar Cheshvan; the Mar meaning “bitter.” However, in Hebrew, the reverse of Mar is Ram which means “exalted.” You can probably guess where I’m going here…. the challenge of this month is to turn Mar to Ram, bitter to sweet, lemons into lemonade, bleak to beautiful.

Let’s make that practical for a moment.

You walk into your child’s room and find a sea of candy wrappers even though you’ve said no food in the bedroom. The mind goes, “ugh! I said no food in the bedroom!” Or your sister calls in tears about a totally harmless mistake she’s made and you think, “goodness, she’s so dramatic.” Or maybe your boss piles on one more project after you’ve already worked late three nights in a row and you think, “how insensitive!”

Sound familiar?

Our brains are wired for survival, not happiness, which means they’re designed to spot what’s wrong before they see what’s right. It’s an ancient mechanism meant to protect us—but most of us live with the volume turned up way too high on that function. It takes real consciousness to see beyond the mess, the drama, or the unfairness and choose to look for the Light instead.

This month is asking us to do that and if we can, the rewards are exceptional. In Libra, the Light was freely available to us. In Scorpio, we create it.

Even that dark energy is often misunderstood. The truth is, Scorpio is one of the most transformative months of the year. It’s not about waiting for Light to arrive—it’s about generating it. Every small act of goodness, compassion, or restraint carries enormous spiritual weight.

Rav Ashlag once said that our actions are like sesame seeds—tiny, seemingly insignificant on their own, but together they can tip the scale of our lives. Every kind word, every moment we choose to see the best in someone, every time we soften instead of snap—those are the sesame seeds tipping the scales toward transformation.

And sometimes, the universe sends us reminders of what this looks like in motion.

It reminds me of a cross-country race that made headlines a few years ago. The race took place in Spain and a runner named Ivan was in second place behind a Kenyan athlete named Abel. Abel was far ahead—victory seemed certain. But as they neared the finish line, Ivan noticed Abel slow down. I imagine he was confused by this considering they were coming into the final lap and Abel was ahead.

It suddenly occurred to Ivan: the race signs were all in Spanish, Abel had mistakenly thought he had finished and the race was over!

Ivan absolutely could have taken advantage. He could have sprinted ahead, claimed first place, and no one would have blamed him. Instead, he ran up behind Abel and told him to keep going, pushing him forward—literally—helping him cross the finish line first.

When reporters later asked why he didn’t seize the opportunity to win, Ivan simply said,
“What would have been the merit of my victory?”

That’s Scorpio consciousness.

The awareness that the true race we’re all running isn’t against one another—it’s toward the Light. Ivan could have taken advantage of Abel’s confusion and finished first, but could anyone consider that a true win?

This month, our smallest acts of integrity, compassion, and kindness are magnified threefold. Every time we choose to turn the volume down on our judgment, to listen instead of react, to offer help instead of criticism—we shift the entire energetic scale of our lives.

So when in doubt, choose kindness over judgment. Especially toward those who, in your mind, deserve judgment the most.

Because in doing so, you don’t just change the moment—you change yourself. And that is the only victory worthy of our pursuit.

The post Scorpio: From Bleak to Beautiful appeared first on Monica Berg.

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I once knew a woman who could never stop questioning herself. She was always scrolling, measuring, and comparing. After any gathering, she would replay every conversation in her head, wondering if she’d said the wrong thing, if people liked her enough, if she looked put-together enough, or if she sounded intelligent. She told me once, in a semi-joking refrain, that she took dozens of selfies before posting just one, and even then she wasn’t sure it was good enough.

It made me sad to see how much of her precious energy went into that endless loop of self-critique. She was a beautiful woman in so many ways—bright, capable, and deeply kind— but she was always comparing herself to something “better.”

When we think about people who are running on ego, we instantly conjure up the jerk who cut us off in traffic, the boss who slings passive-aggressive insults, or the family member who is consistently rude at holidays. But this is only one version of an ego run rampant. An ego-based consciousness, or what the kabbalists refer to as the Desire to Receive for the Self Alone, can sometimes look just like my friend: insecurity, over-giving, obsessed with being enough.

The expression may be very different but the result is always the same. When we come primarily from our ego, any success, achievement, or blessing will only ever bring a happiness that is fleeting. The voice of ego might tell us (or yell at us, more like) that we need it in order to bring about the fullest expression of ourselves but this is a fallacy. This over-emphasis on self is actually creating the exact opposite of what we ultimately want.

But what do we do when we find ourselves caught in this loop? Science says: turn the volume down on the ego.

Psychologists Dr. Heidi A. Wayment and Dr. Jack J. Bauer coined the term “quiet ego” in 2008 and described it as a compassionate self-identity that counters a “noisy ego,” which refers to a more self-centered and potentially disruptive aspect of the self, driven by the need for validation, dominance and constant attention. Yes, a certain amount of ego and self-awareness is necessary—it’s useful for survival and required for healthy socialization—but when culture and technology fuse in the way they have in the last decade, it’s amplified beyond its natural bounds, backfiring on us big time. We become trapped in a loop of over-analysis and the result is anxiety, depression, and disconnection.

But what does it look like to turn the volume down on this voice, practically? Luckily, they zeroed on a few ways we can do this and, if you’ve been following me for awhile, these may sound familiar:

Cultivating an “inclusive identity”

An inclusive identity is one that considers others along with ourselves. Yes we want what’s best for us but if it comes as a detriment to everyone else, it isn’t actually good for us either. An inclusive identity values compromise, compassion, and sharing creating better relationships not just with others, but with ourselves.

Perspective taking

This means to step in another person’s shoes and view an experience from their point of view. When we find ourselves in a disagreement, for example, taking the perspective of the other person and seeking to find the validity not only helps us find solutions but it creates greater intimacy no matter the relationship.

Having a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset encourages us to see challenges and conflict as opportunities for growth. What once was perceived as “criticism” becomes useful feedback and discomfort is welcomed as an indicator of our own transformation.

Keeping a Detached Awareness

Instead of taking every thought and feeling personally, we can begin to observe our thoughts and emotions, using them as data. A detached awareness can help us see things clearly and identify more easily the areas where we might need to pivot.

Shift the Inner Narrative

Going back to my friend, when she shared with me about this negative loop of self-talk and obsessing I invited her to take on this gentle shift. Every time she hears the voice of ego asking “How do I look? Am I saying the right thing? Do they like me?” shift the questions: “How can I bring Light to these interactions? Is there an opportunity to give or share here? How can I be kind to myself and others instead?”

All of these tools change the focus from self to others, from getting to giving. Using, once again, the example of my lovely friend, instead of obsessing about how she was being perceived, she turned her attention to how she can give—through kindness, empathy, or simply being present. I think I can speak on her behalf when I say she is experiencing much more confidence and joy as a result.

Study upon study shows that when we cultivate these traits and values, our lives become more joyful. Sometimes almost instantly. In fact, this year’s World Happiness Report, run annually by the data firm Gallup—said that daily acts of kindness and generosity were larger predictors of happiness than earning a higher salary. We think we want material wealth but only because we believe it brings us the riches we are actually seeking: peace, joy, fulfillment, and connection. All of which are inside and made manifest only through us.

The intentional shift from a consciousness of taking to one of sharing is the exact transformation our souls came into this world to make. Noticing when our ego gets loud and practicing to lower the volume is how we take on transformation every day. The paradox is that fulfillment is never found in grasping more tightly, but in loosening our grip and opening our hearts to others.

Today and everyday ask yourself:

What could be better around me and how can I contribute to that?
How can I give outside of my zone of comfort today?
Where am I withholding and how can I loosen up and open more?

Quieting the ego isn’t about erasing the self. It’s about aligning with the part of us that already knows we are connected to the Creator, to everyone and everything. It’s about remembering that happiness doesn’t come from amplifying the “me,” but from positively and humbling contributing to the “we.”

The post Smaller Ego, Happier Life appeared first on Monica Berg.

Every year, as Yom Kippur arrives, we’re reminded that this is not just a day of fasting. It’s not about going hungry, denying ourselves comfort, or performing a ritual out of obligation. The Creator tells us clearly: you have it all wrong if you think this is only about suffering through 25 hours without food or water. The fast is not for the body—it’s for the soul.

By abstaining from physical nourishment, we symbolically starve the part of ourselves that is always grasping, wanting, needing—the ego, or what Kabbalah calls the Desire to Receive for the Self Alone. In its place, we awaken a deeper, higher yearning: the Desire to Receive in Order to Share.By abstaining from food, drink, perfumes, and even bathing, we disconnect from the comforts and pleasurable sensations of the physical world so that our connection to the spiritual world is unhindered.

The Arvei Nachal says, on Yom Kippur, we sit next to the Creator as he looks through each day from the past year and makes an account.

Imagine sitting beside the Creator. Can you imagine what you would say? What would be worthy of asking? I have thought about this question, and I would hope that sitting next to the Creator, I would say the following:

“I know there is a lot I want to accomplish in this world that I haven’t. I know that I need to transform my desire to Receive for the Self Alone to one of sharing. Give me strength and assistance to completely transform so I can accomplish what I came to this world to do.”

Now, when we look to the second half of this sentence, things get a little more intense: “as he looks through each day from the past year and makes an account.”

This might feel a little less magical. Sitting beside the Creator as he witnesses some of our worst behavior from the past year would not be a fun experience. Especially because, at Yom Kippur, the Creator isn’t interested in the good days or the times we easily connected to the Light. What is being tallied are the moments we were able to transform in the face of chaos, the days that we could have easily chosen negativity but instead chose to elevate. Those are the seconds that are counted—luckily, we’re being graded on a curve.

“Worthy are we if, every day, we have a few minutes that are true work.” – Arvei Nachal

These moments of true work are called bringing light out of darkness and, if in one year’s time a person has elevated 24 hours of Light, then that person is considered righteous. In one year, just twenty-four hours, this work is calculated in seconds not days and weeks. It is possible and available to everyone because it isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being honest and discerning. The work is as simple as identifying negativity and gently removing and releasing what hinders us.

This is not about becoming someone else, doing more, or chasing validation. It’s about stopping what doesn’t serve us. Sometimes spiritual work is that simple. You notice when you are feeding your ego—wanting recognition, control, comfort, or attention—and you say, “Stop.” Yom Kippur gives us a unique opportunity to do this. To strip away the distractions of the material world and reveal our souls. With this intimate lens, we can clearly see what needs to be released.

Think of it like this: if you wanted to help end hunger in Africa, you could brainstorm endless solutions—or you could look at what’s not working and remove those barriers first. That’s the energy of Yom Kippur. Don’t just focus on doing more good—start by eliminating the negativity that blocks the good you’re already capable of.

Here are a few ways to embody this practice:

Catch and Pause: When you notice yourself spiraling in negative thoughts, seeking approval, or feeding your ego in any way—stop. Interrupt the pattern. Even whispering “stop” can shift your energy.

Allow Joy and Gratitude: This is not a punitive practice nor is about harshly judging ourselves or denying all positive feelings. Appreciation, gratitude, and fulfillment are all antidotes to negativity. Ignite joy against any discomfort.

Visualize Your Highest Self: See yourself as you would be if all the unnecessary weight of ego were lifted. What do you notice about this version of you? Hold that vision as your north star today.

Remove Before Adding: Instead of rushing to “fix” yourself, start by gently releasing what’s not serving you. Clear the path and your own unique spark of Light will naturally flow.

Yom Kippur is not meant to leave us the same as when we entered. A difficult day for the ego is a triumphant day for the soul and our souls work gracefully and simply. There is no forcing, no pushing, just allowing. Allow the discomforts to reveal your soul, gently nurture your gratitude and joy, and when in doubt, reach to the Creator for assistance. Trust that by the end of these 48 hours, you will be forever transformed and capable of sharing more Light than ever before. Not just for yourself but for the entire world.

Gamar Chatima Tova

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We all carry a list. You know the one I’m talking about.

A new job.
A new relationship.
Better health.
Abundance, blessings, growth.

Beautiful asks. Ask for all of it. But before you lay your list of desires at the Creator’s feet, ask one more question:

Who do I need to be to receive it?

When our sight is fixed only on outcomes, we forget to nurture our identity. And if a blessing arrives for a person who isn’t ready for it, it doesn’t land as fulfillment or peace—it tends to actually multiply chaos. Rosh Hashanah is the annual invitation to recreate you. To recreate your identity and your consciousness into one that can receive. Asking for the life we want also means letting go of the version of ourselves that we are now. We have to let go of the parts we’ve outgrown.

We might say we want more life, yet how often are we actually living?

Seneca wrote that we live only a small part of our lives—not because we lack time, but because we don’t spend it as we should. Similarly, the author Anne Lamott asks, “What will you do with the days you’re issued? Will you taste this life? Will you become who you’re meant to be?”

Rosh Hashanah arrives and holds up this mirror: Where am I playing small? Where can I be even more honest? Today, following our month of teshuvah, we bring forward the “should haves,” the “shouldn’t haves,” the slips in consciousness—not for shame, but for transformation. In the Light, even our missteps are fertile material. We bring it all on Rosh Hashanah and we ask the Creator: show me who I’m becoming. Make me brave enough to become that person.

An easy way to begin is by assessing the first thought you have in the morning. Is it gratitude or dread? Curiosity or complaint? We all lock our doors, password-protect our accounts, and insure our belongings—yet we unconsciously let our attention and time be stolen by worry, judgment, and distraction. Guard every thought you have like treasure, not only when you feel aligned and purposeful but when you feel strain or doubt. Especially then.

I reference this story often but it continually bears repeating because it is an undeniable example of choosing your thoughts with precision and purpose. In 1971, 17-year-old Juliane Koepcke fell from the sky into the Amazon forest, the sole survivor of a plane crash that also claimed the life of her mother. Injured, grieving, and alone, she followed water, waded streams to avoid land predators, and used what she knew to stay alive until she was found. Desire carried her; knowledge guided her, and I imagine, her consciousness of determination fueled both.

Now, most of us won’t face jungles like that, but we’ll face days that test our perspectives, our devotion, and even our desires. Today, you probably want transformation. What about a month from now? What about on a tough Wednesday? Can you have the level of commitment and elevation you have today during the toughest or most mundane moments?

These two days are a portal and we can walk through that portal on purpose. We can also use the practices we apply at Rosh Hashanah throughout the rest of the year (and I highly recommend that you do!) For the next 48 hours:

Notice

Catch your first thought each morning. Choose gratitude on purpose.

Guard

Protect one sacred hour from distraction. No scrolling. No spirals. Fill it with study, prayer, or service.

Expand

Do one visible thing that expresses your true self—wear the color, say the truth, make the ask, create a piece of art. (Set down that 8-color box of crayons and pick up the box of 120 colors.)

Fulfillment is so much less about what actually happens and more about how you’re meeting what happens. When you start showing up for yourself the way your soul has asked you to—responsible, consistent, honest, kind—your life won’t just look different. It will feel different.

This is your creation moment. Bring your whole self to the Light: the parts you’re proud of and the parts you’d rather hide. Let it all be made use of and let yourself be recreated. Become the person your blessings are already looking for. May you live every day of your life. And may your life—this year—finally feel like the one you’ve always dreamed of…

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