Old/New World Discourse: Elul is for Sifting, Part III

Forward-thinking individuals often contemplate their futures. Parts of these ideations frequently include plans for career success. Such short-range, i.e. "New Year Plans," however, do not necessarily have to be limited to professional status.

Other foci with which we can concern ourselves include: our intrapersonal relationships, i.e. our relationships with ourselves, our relationships with people in our intimate circles, and our relationships with our Creator. All of these bits intersect professional interests, yet extending beyond those ends.

Consider self-development. Whereas we might be practiced at seeking and receiving encouragement, fellowship and joy from our relationships with others, it is also the case, that we must necessarily seek and receive encouragement, fellowship and joy from our relationships with ourselves.

Self-loathing becomes only an excuse for failing to develop and to refine one's self; it's a fancy way of saying "I've given in to my failed motivation." Alternatively, some people yield personal culpability by claiming that they must run from self-enhancement because even minute amounts of solitary reflection are unbearable. Last, other folk lack gratitude about the unique combination of qualities that constitute them because they reserve no enthusiasm for such sentiments.

In the merit of positive change, this year, let's endeavor to: cheer ourselves through the many growth opportunities that we are privileged to experience, enjoy our own company throughout our growth process, and appreciate the processes for what it is. Growth is precious.

As we look toward the coming year, it would behoove us, as well, to continue to cherish our life companions. Let's continue to be grateful for their loving mussar. Let's continue to be open to and to do our best to respond to their needs, as well. It helps us to realize and to cheer on their development. 

The aforementioned behaviors, of our responses to ourselves and of our responses to each other, will allow us: to receive and to reflect, to learn and to teach, to derive shared pleasure and to share derived pleasure. Potentially, this mutuality can bring forward the best of our humanity. This mutuality is not exclusive, though; we need to grow, in the year to come, in our relationship with Hashem, as well.

Through our bonds with The Boss, we become increasingly empowered to: glean joy, negotiate sorrow, and deepen our actualization of humility, as "humility" is understood to be the realistic assessment and application of our personal strengths, and the realistic assessment and repair of our personal shortcomings. In short, upon becoming buoyed with this sensibility, we bring our better selves to the fore and are more able to help others live similarly. It is silly for us to choose otherwise.

By striving to develop our personal selves, our social selves, and our spiritual selves, we can spring beyond mundanities, such as work, and attain grander ends. May you be Blessed to accomplish this work in the months to come.