Reflection

Tonight begins the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, translated literally: The day of Atonement. A day to stop, reflect, and ask forgiveness for all ways in which we may have not been our best selves... whether intentional or not.

There were times this year when we lashed out at a loved one or dismissed a colleague. There were moments when we could have helped a neighbor, or celebrated with a friend. There are moments we wish we could get back and do over. Often, though, we are so busy running between appointments and obligations that we don't find the time to Stop. Reflect on those moments. Think about what we would do differently next time. And Vow to do so.

This is what Yom Kippur offers us. And more.

What if we ALSO use this day to reflect on when we WERE our very best? To think about the moments when we CHOSE to exhibit ourselves fully? To savor those feelings of gratitude, pride and joy? To share those stories with a friend and ask them to share theirs. What if we allowed this pause to not just be about healing what is broken, but also flourishing to become our best selves? As Barbara Fredrickson shares in her book, "Positivity", positive emotions help us broaden our minds and build more resilience, love and capacity. I believe that this is the true intention of the Yom Kippur.

As we enter this holiday, I think about the past year, about the loss of friend, about the beginning of new friendships, about the joys I've experienced, the love and blessings for which I'm grateful. As we enter this holiday, I vow to reflect, broaden and build. I wish you the same, and for us all to have the opportunity THIS YEAR to savor and spread joy.

I wish us all a happy and healthy and sweet new year. A year when we are our very best selves. May you and your loved ones be inscribed in the Book of (Flourishing) LIFE!