A New Year

Don't worry, I didn't have a total space-out moment and wake up believing today was January 1. Today is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. While I'm not particularly religious and don't often speak about my religion, the High Holidays (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) always resonate strongly with me. Reflecting and starting fresh in the fall feels more natural to me than doing so in January- I blame this on the academic calendar mindset that I think we all more or less live by no matter our age. Fall is about new beginnings and setting new goals or recommitting to those we already have. 

Mom's challah. Hers is the best. No contest.

When I reflect at Rosh Hashanah, it's not so much about concrete things, but rather the intangibles; it's a time to check in with my spirit and soul. Have I been a good person? Where have I let people down? Where have I let myself down? What can I do to be better? None of these questions is easy and frankly it's impossible to fully answer them. We can never know how we are perceived by others. All we can do is be the best version of ourselves and make a conscious effort to do no harm. Beyond that, it's out of our hands. 

I hope I have been there for people. I hope I have made those I encounter feel supported, listened to, loved, valued. Yet, I know, much as I don't like to think about it, that surely I have failed at this, probably several times over. It's easy to get wrapped up in our own lives, to say things flippantly, to dismiss something that to us seems trivial but to those we are not there for, means everything in the world. 

To all those I have failed, I am truly and deeply sorry. To anyone who has failed me, please know that I forgive you, we're all only human. Now to try again. Wishing a happy, healthy, and sweet new year to all those celebrating and to those who aren't.

...and your boys, and yourself.

P.S. Don't worry, September favorites are coming!