Joining the Thin Club

Confessions and Apologies...

I'm in the process of getting ready for the big day of confessions - Yom Kippur.  Unlike other religions, the Jewish religion gives us one annual massive opportunity to confront ourselves.  To stare at our "soulular" image and to rip open our hearts.  Even though we can repent -- and are encouraged to do so every day -- Yom Kippur is the day when self-examination, introspection and hopefully finding a peaceful place within us to acknowledge our strengths, weaknesses and the "improvement zones," comes to a serious crescendo. 

Many simply associate Yom Kippur as a day when we don't eat.  True that.  But the day isn't about beating ourselves into submission.  Fasting is just one of the tools we use to confront our spiritual selves - our souls that need no food to nourish - rather they require prayer and silent confession.

Confronting one's soul is a massive task.  We talk about transparency in this day of Internet - where all your missteps and comments are traceable--indelible footprints that can confront you at any point and time.  If you believe in G-d, transparency is a concept you are familiar with.  You know that we are all transparent - even when our sins are locked away in the recesses of our minds.  And on Yom Kippur we stand, cowering before our Creator, and we admit our sins. 

Rationalizations, though common defenses by most all year round, are unacceptable on Yom Kippur.  The "I'm OK, you're OK" mentality just doesn't hold up.  No excuses or rationalizations are given or accepted.  And pain that we've caused others cannot be excused by G-d.  We are commanded to confront one another - and offer our sincere apologies for any pain we caused them with our words or actions.

So, this season, as I confront my own demons - both online, offline, within myself and beyond - let me please extend apologies to anyone that I have hurt in any way this year.  Whether it was through written words, spoken words or actions, please know that I am sincerely sorry.  And I promise not to do it again--and to be a better person.  I humbly beg you to forgive me.

Tomorrow evening, I face myself dead-on.  And G-d.  And I will pray for all mankind, that we merit G-d's mercy and compassion and that He bestows upon each human being on this planet, peace.  It's what we all need this New Year.

My Report Card - Dealing with the Job Hunt Blues

With one more week left in my daughter's marking period, I decided to give MYSELF a report card.  For those of you following my blog, you know that I was "laid-off" in March - one of the early ones in the parade of pink slips, to be let go from the major department store where I was a Regional Public Relations Manager. 

It's interesting, the progression that happens when you've become a pink-slipped veteran (I prefer not to use the word "victim" - that word would imply that I gave up and have succumbed to the out-of-control helpless feeling of negativity--NEVER!).  So here is my Report Card--complete with comments.  Do you think I'm making the grade?

1. Attitude - B+

While Judy has an overall positive attitude, she, like many in this unstable financial environment, has a tendency to slip into negative thinking. She should turn off the radio and stop watching those scary statistics coming over twitter and digg.  She must make sure she thinks one positive thought per hour--even when it doesn't come naturally.

2. Food & Fitness - C

Because she is afraid to go out and inadvertantly spend money that she doesn't have, Judy has been confined to quarters, forced to quit her gym and she has been eating foods that she thinks makes her feel better.  As soon as the weather gets warmer and the ice melts, Judy must go outside and walk in the sunshine.  In the meantime, she must exercise for at least 45 minutes in the house each day on the treadmill, in front of the TV and with her Kettlebell and free weights.  She should allow herself twice-a-week trips to the produce market to buy fresh vegetables and fruits and she should make sure to keep herself gainfully occupied instead of raiding the pantry and/or refrigerator during work hours.

3.  Web 2.0  - A

Judy has taken time to learn new skills that include navigating new social networking sites, hence making new friends and contacts!  Way to go, Girlfriend! Keep blogging!

4. Social Skills - B

Sadly, unemployment has taken a toll on Judy's social life, which is largely facilitated by online dating.  Judy has to get out more - explore new horizons and try to meet people in person instead of online.  Although it is hard for her - since she feels like a freak since she is unemployed, the good news is that with all the other unemployed people out there, she is certainly not alone.  The question is, does she really WANT to meet other unemployed people?

5. Job Hunting - A

Judy has been actively sending out resumes, engaging new clients, writing creative PR proposals and going on job interviews.  She looks over her portfolio at least once a day to remind her of her amazing lifetime achievements.  That keeps her attitude positive and puts her in touch with all the talent she brings to these new opportunties.

6.  Respect for Authority - A

Judy has become acutely aware that G-d is in charge and that He provides her sustenance.  She talks to Him daily and begs him to help her continue to find enough work to give her food and shelter and she thanks Him for all He does for her that she frequently doesn't fully appreciate.  She knows that He has a plan and when the time is right, she will find the right job and the right husband and will live in stability ever after!