Loving other people doesn’t require that they give you permission.

It doesn’t even mean that they will love you back…

Yet, we are to show love to those around us….to show kindness in the face of evil, to lend a helping hand cheerfully when we are able.

We are charged to love even those we deem unlovable, love those we see don’t want love, still we love.

It is easy to look at political parties, religious differences, sexual differences, down to any finite detail of a person….and find a reason not to love.

It isn’t hard to find an excuse not to love.

Yet, we are charged to love this unlovable world.

It’s a quiet night and I’m winding down to go to sleep. I have thoughts I want to write before I rest, but part of me worries that those who read this will misunderstand what I am writing or why I am writing.

I watched a friend lose his daughter this week…it was a tough thing to watch, knowing you can’t do much besides be there, as an ear…as a shoulder.

I talked with someone I consider a friend, a man who was very instrumental in my conversion to Orthodoxy in the last 2 years. We discussed how sometimes you just get too tired to fight anymore, and you’re ok when it’s your time.

I’ve come to realize that for many of us that’s going to be true when you finally get there. I wonder of course, when the time comes…will I be remembered fondly…or at all?

We live in a harsh world, where we’re often so caught up in ourselves, we miss the nuances of what makes us human.

Take time, look around you, notice those who care about you…before they aren’t there anymore.

Just a ramble…goodnight

So, many of you may know or understand the ins and outs of the Special education world, many of you may not. I have had 2 special education kiddos for as long as they’ve been in school. One with Autism (who, though he still comes with challenges, has come a remarkably long way in 13 years) and one with dyslexia.

E was in special education as a toddler, partially because of her brothers issues, partly because she herself had a few challenges. We moved from Indiana to Texas when she was 3, and she was almost immediately pushed out of the special education system because basically they didn’t see the need for a 3 yr old to be there.

When she was in kindergarten and first grade, she struggled to read and was identified to have dyslexia and possible other learning challenges. They worked with her on a dyslexia program and things improved dramatically over the years (though her 3rd grade teacher was a huge setback and wasn’t so understanding of her challenges).

Today, I attended what promises to be the last ARD for E, as she has ‘graduated’ out of the need for the special education supports. She is a strong learner, who is able to voice when she needs help, and self advocate. She’s become not only very adept at overcoming challenges but is also very mature about it.

Today, I will admit, I am a little bit proud of this kid, and all she has done. ❤️

I’ve noticed something increasingly in the world around me as of late, and to me it seems it’s gotten to be the norm.

People often worry about their weight, their outward appearance, their stuff…but don’t take the time to take care of one important aspect of themselves- their mind, their mood, their spirit.

Do you know that carrying a negative attitude with you can cause a myriad of health issues, (obesity not excluded)? Did you know that keeping yourself in check and realizing (and changing) the negative energy you are putting out can change so much more of your day than you think?

I challenge you today,,,if you will, to do one of 2 things.

1. If you choose to not change any negative you put out in the world, take time at least to observe how it impacts those around you, as well as yourself. Watch how one negative interaction can affect the next 3-5 interactions. Watch how much joy can get sucked out of things that should have made you happy, but hit too close to your bad moment.

2. You can change things, catch yourself before you let negative words fly and change it into something positive…try to take note of how you feel and how others around you respond.

If you do get mad, try to divert the energy…go for a walk, listen to music, go to the bathroom and wash your face and hands and take a good long hard look at yourself and understand that whatever it is, will pass.

I’m as guilty as anyone of the negative energy, I’m working towards the second option as a habit.

Here’s to you!