Ask Your Jewish Mother

I was asked, “How do I prepare for the High Holidays?” That lead to a review of what the season brings us as Jews- a time to take an accounting of, and responsibility for, our personal actions! May you have a Sweet New Year and be inscribed in the Book of Life.

Accept the chaos and disorder in the world by recognizing the cognitive distortions occurring that impact civility. You can only control your responses and be the best version of yourself to deal with the world -

After spending the weekend with an insanely successful group of women, running 200 miles, I realized the limitations we placed on ourselves by using the word should. Reframe your “should” into an action, a joy or something fantastic for yourself!

The Kabbalah of Forgiveness by Dr. Henry Abramson provides a paradigm of lifting your behaviors and responses to the world around you. Why is it important to reframe events as happening FOR you vs TO you? Take control of unpleasant and toxic events by reframing and drawing upon your abilities to improve.

Recently I was asked if Jews could keep pigs as pets…oy, oy - what a can of worms- listen and see what you think!

Time and being “busy” have become intertwined. Taking a break can improve your productivity and make you feel better. Stop using “busy” as a badge of honor and treat yourself to productive breaks.

Randy Step who wrote, “Get Your Butt out the Door” discussed motivation the SAME WAY I do! It made me think about the Jewish perspective and how to reframe habits, practiced and routines. Intention coupled with GOOD and HEALTHFUL habits beats motivation any day of the week.

The Babylonian Talmud tells us, “Either friendship or death.” I choose friendship! Reach out to your friends today!

People reached out after the episode on anxiety and suggested that I provide one or two techniques that would be particularly helpful to cope with anxiety on a day-to-day basis. Tapping is a technique that gained popularity in the 1990s but has little evidence-based research definitively demonstrating significant clinical outcomes. I know many people who swear by tapping and have used it successfully. As with any mental health interventions, you should talk to your physician and or your licensed mental health professional before trying them. Also – don’t drive or operate machinery while tapping!

Always refer to your physician and/or licensed mental health therapist before engaging in mental health programs....if you want a few feel better NOW suggestions, listen to this episode. I give you a few tips that can immediately be put to use and will help you feel better TODAY. You deserve to feel good, to get a few minutes of respite - your Jewish mother says so.