Take a smile.
Give a smile.
Make the world a better place. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Showing posts with label Betterment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Betterment. Show all posts
April 15, 2022
November 23, 2021
Strong and Knowledgeable
Then you also know what you can't do.
While our dreams and imagination can be "the sky's the limit,"
The reality is we are human and we have to learn, grow, and make progress incrementally.
Still it's a fight every day to get stronger as people and as souls. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
October 6, 2019
Teshuva Through An IDF Soldier’s Eyes
He said, just think about it: “You have the chance to say I’m sorry, I regret what I did, and I won’t do it again, and be forgiven — what a tremendous opportunity that is!” I had never really thought of repentance in this particular way…as an opportunity. Usually, it’s more of something that is uncomfortable, difficult, and that we really don’t want to have to do.
So with a few more days to go before Yom Kippur, let us thank G-d for the chance to make amends and do better in life, because this is an incredible opportunity and a true blessing, and one that we do not know will ever come again.
September 14, 2019
Facing Facts on Rosh Hashanah
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, "Facing Facts on Rosh Hashanah."
In a sense, we all live at least two lives–represented by the two faces we wear: The first is the happy face, where we portray ourselves as if everything is going so well, almost near-perfect in our lives (our vacations, accomplishments, celebrations, and so on), and this is the face that we routinely show to the world. Then, there is the second face, which is essentially where everything is not (always) quite so rosy, where life’s challenges, troubles, and hardships take their tangible toll, and this is the face that we learn to keep private and regularly hide from the world. Usually, it comes down to a rationale that goes something like this: just imagine what would people think of us if they really knew us for who we are and what we were actually going through? Yet the funny thing is that everyone is going through something–that’s life!In a couple of weeks, when we celebrate Rosh Hashanah, we come knowing that there is no mask to be worn in front of our Maker, and truly, we are naked before Him in all our thoughts and deeds. We can’t pretend anymore that our lives or ourselves are perfect, but rather this is the time for true and earnest reflection, repentance, as well as judgment for the New Year based on what each of us is really all about. May each of us have the courage and conviction to face our real selves, to learn, grow, improve, and ultimately to self-actualize, and may we receive G-d’s mercy and blessings for a happy and healthy New Year!
February 17, 2019
You Can't See Yourself
But what is really interesting to me is that when you stand in front of it (like I was literally doing here), you can't see yourself.
It made me wonder how you can look at yourself and yet not see yourself.
And I thought of this as being a bigger lesson in life.
When we are looking at ourself and there is a big donut whole in the mirror of ourselves then we are left blind to what should be reflecting back at us.
No matter how hard we try to see ourselves and what we are doing right and wrong, it's like a ghost out there--we are blind to it.
To really see ourselves, our heart and mind have to be receptive to seeing the full picture.
That means looking at ourselves as we really are, even when there seems to be a piece missing to the puzzle, and we have trouble being honest about what we see.
To change, learn, grow--to become a better person, we need to look full on and be willing to see what we will see.
You can't see yourself until you can. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
November 17, 2018
Striving To Be Good Enough (This Time Around)
I too believe strongly in reincarnation. I think that is partially what G-d means by doing justice in this world. If you bomb out in life and don't fulfill your true potential than G-d sends you back for another try. And this can happen as many times as it takes to get it right!
I hope I am getting it right in my life this time around. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
November 12, 2018
Beautiful, Peaceful Picture For Veterans Day
November 7, 2018
Bills, Health, and Purpose
He was telling me about some of life's stresses at work, home, etc., and he said even though every looks forward to retirement "one day," the problems don't go away.
He mentioned some examples of people he knows that retired relatively young and with a pension.
Nevertheless, he said:
They still worry about bills, about health, and mostly about purpose!
And even though they don't have the day-to-day grind in the office, he said:
Their own stress is as real to them as mine is to me.
I couldn't help reflecting on his words and thinking how smart this was.
No one has it all!
Everyone is this world has fears, worries, and problems.
And you know what? It's okay.
Life is about us confronting what seems unconfrontable and becoming better human beings because we did. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 20, 2018
When It Turns In
Depression is anxiety turned inward.
When people feel anxious and that they don't have control over their situation that make them feel in a sense helpless, and then the anxiety "has no where to go," it becomes depression.
I guess it make sense that if you feel that you can't really do anything to make things better--and no matter how hard you try--then you feel somewhat helpless/hopeless and get depressed
Perhaps it's almost like a frustration at your own inability to change things you feel you need to change.
That is why a person's feeling some sense of control over their environment and life is so important.
When things are looking down, it helps to try and do something to take back control over what feels like spiraling uncontrollable events and circumstances.
Of course, only G-d really has control over what ultimately happens.
But we need to do our part to try to make things better.
Just taking that first (and second and third) step is freeing.
I'm pretty sure that an element of this is that you can tell yourself that you "did everything you could" so in effect there is a lifting of guilt about the situation, but at the same time there is also a genuine feeling that you are here for a purpose and perhaps have made a difference in this world.
Some people feel big and important, but the reality is that we are all so small in a very big world and universe where suffering and loss can strike (G-d forbid) at any moment.
Man is but a speck of dust in the realm of things.
But at the same time, our speck is filled with a soul of the living G-d.
So we must do what we can to be a good influence and impact.
Whatever it is, it is what we can do.
If everyone--7.6 billion of us out there---does their part that can make a difference.
Don't let life's anxieties become your depression.
Look for what you can contribute--do it!--try your best to make a difference and make the world better.
It's what you're here for and what you can positively do. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 15, 2018
Purpose Is To Help People
I don't get impressed by others easily.
But one thing that does immediately get my respect and admiration are people who sincerely believe in and are there to help others.
Of course, there are some professions like soldiers and first responders who put their lives on the line to safeguard others that come to mind.
But then there are the people we sometimes meet in everyday real life--people that live for doing good for others.
Yes, not many people are so unselfish and giving, and that is why it is an incredible person who lives this.
One person that I have had the honor to meet recently is such a person.
Months ago, in a stressful situation, I watched them get up and get someone a bottle of water who was choked up and just needed a sip of relief.
Then again, I saw that whenever they were asked a question or for some assistance, they almost immediately dropped whatever they were doing--and without any resentment--to do whatever they can to help, anytime, anyplace.
When I heard them talk recently about their philosophy on what life is all about--they confirmed exactly as I had been seeing, they said:
"I want to help people!"
And they went on to explain how that is the greatest job we can do--whatever our role is--simply, to help others.
Someone doesn't have to be wounded or dying on the battlefield or in urban warfare to merit that help.
Just being another human being with a heart and soul--that itself is enough to jump to their aid and help, help, help.
To me, this person really encapsulates the essence of what life is all about.
It's not I, I, I.
It's about what I can do for others.
We were created by the Almighty to learn to live beyond our meager selves and serve the greater good, our Creator and his children.
All I can say is that these people who live and breath this loving, caring, and giving lifestyle are totally awesome to me and my personal role model and heroes. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
March 18, 2018
Everything Is 4 The Best
But it's funny how when we just take a little perspective or in retrospect...
We realize that everything G-d does is really for our best!
It may not look and feel that way at the moment.
But there comes an inner awakening about things when we see the bigger picture.
And then we sort of nod our heads knowingly:
"Ah, that's why that happened!"
There are many reasons, G-d may be directing something:
- Opening new and better opportunities for us.
- Teaching us important life lessons.
- Putting us someplace we need to be to help someone else.
- Even saving us from some worse catastrophe.
For G-d, there is no time or space--He supersedes all of these.
He puts us where we need to be when we need to be for His bigger plan for our good.
Also, when you think you have a problem, remember to look at what others may be going through.
Because there are problems and then there are problems!
As my dad used to say:
"The guy complained he had no shoes, until he saw the guy without any feet!"
Is your problem really so bad--maybe yes, maybe no.
Try for a second to think of others you know and what they are going through.
Imagine for a moment--what does really bad look like, feels like.
G-d works in what seems like mysterious ways.
But we can uncover the mystery and discover the holiness and grand plan of it all--if we just look beyond ourselves and towards the heavens.
Oh G-d, thank you for all that you do for us--your wisdom is glorious; your lessons are to teach me to be a better me; and your mercy endures forever. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 28, 2018
Breaking The Cycle Of Trauma
Thought these are some beautiful sentiments about breaking the cycle of trauma in our lives:
"Hurt people hurt people.
That's how pain patterns get passed on, generation after generation after generation.
Break the chain today.
Meet anger with sympathy, contempt with compassion, cruelty with kindness.
Greet grimaces with smiles.
Forgive and forget about finding fault.
Love is the weapon of the future."- Yehuda Berg, The Kabbalah Center
This is powerful--it should only be that we can have a complete healing, betterment, and a renewal of peace for all.
One other thing that I heard that was so plain and simple, yet so smart was that:
One other thing that I heard that was so plain and simple, yet so smart was that:
Our job in this world is to do the most good that we can do!
Thank you to Minna Blumenthal for sharing all this.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 16, 2018
It's For Us
I love this saying from one of my colleagues:
"G-d doesn't do it to us.
He does it for us!"
Instead of asking with anger and resentment "why me?" -- perhaps we can try to see the larger picture and be grateful for all the blessings and opportunities that G-d does give us.
While certainly there is pain and suffering in this world, there is also the chance to learn, grow, and become stronger and better people.
We are here to hopefully leave the world a better place than before we got here.
The perspective that the challenges and obstacles are not meant to really harm us, but to help us is not an easy pill to swallow.
But maybe it really is the enlightened view of faith that we all need to fight on and overcome. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
January 18, 2018
Listen Better, Empathize More
Recently, I had a number of experiences with people telling me of some very trying circumstances.
And at first, I found myself listening and talking to them about it, but then my mind started to get distracted by other things going on and other problems in my life that I needed to deal with.
So after we finished speaking about their respective family, work, and even health problems, I felt that I may have cut off some of these conversations too early or without enough empathy.
After clearing my head, I thought to myself, I really want to listen better and empathize more.
And so I went back and did just that.
I found each person (in person, by phone, or email), and I said that I felt sorry for what they were going through, and I asked more questions and tried to really just be in the moment and there for them.
They seemed to each really appreciate me taking the time and effort to come speak with them and that I cared.
I know that I am human and make mistakes, but I want to continually grow and do better in life.
In this case, listening better and empathizing more--it felt great and I learned to listen to my conscience and do more when I think it's right! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
January 17, 2018
Nothing Personal
It's when they harshly criticize, pick on, or even bully their hard working and good people.
What do they say when they do it:
"It's nothing personal."
Ha, that's sort of funny, but really it's sad.
I asked an executive colleague about this and this is what they profoundly said:
"It's my favorite line when the boss says it's nothing personal. Of course it's personal. Is there anyone else in the room!"
When people misuse/abuse their power to hurt others whether at work or even in other situations like with small children or anyone else in a subordinate position:
- That's not business.
- That's not professional.
- That's not being a good human being.
People are not punching bags because someone else is having a bad day.
We need to rise above the occasion and be better than that.
It's better to be humane, compassionate, and emotionally intelligent.
And not just because someday, we are all in that position where someone bigger is facing off against us.
But rather we need to behave kindly to others, because they too are G-d's children and our brothers and sisters, and it is the absolutely the right way to behave--whether it's business or personal. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
January 8, 2018
Yearning For Redemption
There is such a yearning for people to do good and to merit the coming of Mashiach (Messiah) towards the ultimate redemption for mankind.
It's on every street corner and light post.
Whether it's eyes gazed on the righteousness of Rabbi Nachman or The Rebbe--as we used to sing as kids in NCSY:
"We want Mashiach now!"
Whether Mashiach is an actual person or a spiritual revelation in the world leading to redemption--it represents an unprecedented enlightenment, holiness and a spiritual healing, and love and peace for mankind.
While we strive to earn our daily bread, it's nice to have a part of us that also seeks a greater good and achieving betterment for the world.
Any small or big things we can do in our lives to contribute to Tikkun Olam ("fixing the world"), it's purposeful, hopeful, and uplifting to try. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
January 7, 2018
Power of Speech
"If you have nothing good to say...I remember we used to talk about this saying in my house growing up too.
Say nothing."
It is a famous teaching from the holy Chofetz Chaim.
I remember as a bar-mitzvah boy, someone in our community in Riverdale, NY gave me a set of the Chofetz Chaim's books.
And I enjoyed reading from them daily about always being careful with how you use your words:
- Not to hurt anyone.
- Not to speak bad about anyone (i.e. Lashon Hara)
- But rather to use words pointedly and always for the good.
Kind words.
Gentle words.
Complimentary words.
Words of love and caring.
Holy words.
The Chofetz Chaim seemed to have an endless number of wonderful stories to demonstrate the power of speech and the importance of using it for the good.
The old saying of "The pen is mightier than the sword," can be used replacing the pen with the tongue and power of speech in general.
Words can cut someone like a knife and even kill or words can create a tremendous healing when it's full of love and caring for others.
Actions speak louder than words, but words can speak and perform volumes in the eternal fight of good over evil. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
January 2, 2018
Something Better In Store For You
My first reaction was to be disappointed, upset, angry, and question why.
But then I remembered something I heard the other day:
"If something doesn't work out then it's because something even better is coming."
Wow, that's powerful!
Think about it...
What do we mortal human beings really know?
We think something is right for us--but only G-d really knows what the future will bring.
Perhaps with this or that thing that we think we so want, instead of joy and fulfillment, it's really just heartache or disaster in the waiting.
My father used to say and was so right about it:
"Better to cry now then to cry later."
G-d loves us and has our best interests at heart--He saves us and has something better in store for us.
My father also taught me:
"What can any man do to us when we have faith in G-d."
And he really lived that way!
He never worried about what any person or event could do to him--faith always protected him and even when he was sick and was dying, and I asked how he was, he told me:
"I have no pain."
And I could see truly with his deep faith in the Almighty, he really did not feel any pain--it was amazing and miraculous!
Like my dear father, when I remember that G-d has the whole world in Hands, and He watches over us then my heart is uplifted and all I want to do is sing His praises, and that is what I will do. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
December 12, 2017
Wherever You Go
"Wherever you go, that's where you are!"If you think about it for a moment, it really is very profound.
Some people think that they can run away from their problems.
Move here, there, everywhere.
Change schools, jobs, spouses, whatever.
But you can't run away from yourself.
Wherever you run, you're still you!
So you need to fix yourself, your problems, your life.
Yes, sometimes your in a place is bad, a bad fit, the people are bad, the chemistry is bad, the circumstances are bad.
And then change can certainly be a welcome and good thing.
But when you change the external, the internal has to keep developing and changing as well, so that we learn and grow to be better people.
Change your place is not a substitute for changing and growing yourself--that is the only constant with change. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
September 13, 2017
Live 4 Something
On the TV was Sylvester Stallone in the movie, Rambo.
Ah, some nice welcome action to take my mind off the exercise.
Some doctors and missionaries are trying to make their way to to Burma to help the helpless victims being slaughtered by the military warlord and his henchmen.
Stallone knows the danger in going there, and at first, he ties to discourage them from going.
The beautiful and sincere women in the group convinces him to take them there...to try to make a difference in these people's lives who are suffering.
Stallone takes to the lesson and incorporates it into his inner persona.
And later he says:
"Live for something
Or
Die for nothing!"
I thought this was a really good philosophy.
THINK ABOUT IT:
- We can choose to make our lives meaningful and impactful or to hide in the closet or under the bed and really accomplish nothing.
Our lives are a gift, given to us to do something good with--it's a sin to waste that gift and not do everything we can to be a good influence, help others, and make this a better world.
(Source Graphic: Andy Blumenthal)
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