The high holydays this year have passed, and it was a time of deep introspection and re-thinking of life for me and my family.
I particularly enjoyed hearing my rabbi's sermon this year, and I wanted to share it with anyone interested. It's a lot more wisdom than religion, and I think it has something for everyone. Below are my main takeaways from it; the full speech can be read here.
- Life isn't always fair.
- Whatever befalls us, life is still good.
- Life is short; cut your losses earlier.
- Let go of your desire to accommodate difficult people or situations.
- Only do what enhances you spiritually and morally.
- The time to plan for retirement is when you're young.
- Develop your passions and interests.
- Make peace with your past so it won't confound your present.
- One doesn't have to win every argument.
- Love the people close to you.
- Don't compare your life to anyone else's. You already have all you need.
- Who is happy? One who is content with his own portion.
- If you can't publish what you want to say or do, don't say or do it.
- You don't need to publish all your thoughts -- no need to over-share.
- Don't gossip. Guard your tongue.
- Speak the truth but only when you know you can be effective and only when it won't do harm; otherwise, stay quiet.
- Don't procrastinate seeing your doctor. Eat less and better; exercise more.
- Carpe diem
- Joy and happiness come from humility, gratitude, and generosity.
- Breathe deeply as it calms the heart, mind, and soul.
- Take your shoes off wherever you are.
- Too much alcohol dulls the mind.
- To know the purest and sweetest love, get a dog.
- When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
- Over-prepare, strive for excellence, and then go with the flow.
- Loosen up more to release yourself from entrenched habits.
- It's not what you say, it's how you say it.
- Stand up to bullies, wherever they are.
- Time does heal all wounds.
- Change is natural, necessary, and an opportunity for growth.
- Being outdoors is always better.
- Be modest.
- Be forgiving.
- Be kind.
- Be generous.
- Be grateful.
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