Tag Archives: life

September 29, 2011 · 9:24 am

The New Year

A shofar made from a ram's horn is traditional...

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Last night marked the start of the Jewish New Year.  I didn’t go down to Times Square to see if they were dropping a giant knish at the stroke of sundown – probably not.  L’Shana Tova – a happy and healthy New Year to all of you.

One of the things Jews do over the next 10 days (or at least are supposed to do) is to reflect on the year gone by and think about where it took you on life’s journey.  It’s not really as much about looking back in my mind as it is about looking forward.  Oh sure, one is supposed to think about where one strayed from life’s path in terms of dealing with other humans and human codes of conduct.  We get a day of fasting next week to get that sorted out.  But it’s also a time to think about a fresh start.  Which, of course, promoted a business thought. Continue reading →

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September 23, 2011 · 2:19 pm

In One!

A golf ball.

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I have a confession to make.  I took the morning off to play golf before the horrible weather hit since it doesn’t sound as if we’ll be able to play this weekend at all.  There was nothing on the calendar; no one is awaiting any input from me.  I shouldn’t feel guilty about it especially since my boss was fine with it (oh wait…).

As it turns out, it was one of the best things I could have done for my spirit and I want to talk about that today instead of food.  I realize that food can be spiritually uplifting as well but let me explain. Continue reading →

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September 19, 2011 · 11:09 am

Setting Sails

Over the weekend I was watching an interview with someone facing adverse circumstances. The particulars are relatively unimportant since there seems to be so much adversity spread around for a lot of folks and businesses these days. What was important, at least to me, was a line that the interview subject used and that’s what I’d like to remind us all about today.

In doing a little research, it seems as if it’s credited to, among others, Jimmy Dean (not the actor, the country singer and sausage-maker) and Dolly Parton. That’s immaterial too: it’s the thought that counts.

The guy in the interview was being asked if he didn’t feel discouraged by the adversity that had so negatively affected him. He looked right at the interviewer and said:

We can’t control the wind but we can decide how to set our sails.

I like that.  A lot.  It’s the exact opposite of throwing up one’s hands and asking “what are you going to do?” (or as it comes out here in the New York area “waddayagonnado?”).   It’s taking responsibility and recognizing that stuff happens.  It doesn’t place blame.  It doesn’t ignore facts.  It’s neither angry nor submissive.  To me, it’s determined.

This is my chant for the week.  What’s yours?

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