A Rosh Hashanah Reflection

I am not one of those people who look at the New Year as a time to write up goals or resolutions. To me the Jewish New Year has always been about reflecting, noticing where I am, what is working, and what I would like to change. It is a time to observe what is, and figure out where to go from there.

Somehow, as I prepare for this Rosh Hashanah, I find myself wanting to set some goals. Perhaps because I am feeling better after my brain injury 6-years-ago, possibly because it feels more like life is returning to somewhat normalcy after a global pandemic, or maybe because I have accomplished something that I have been dreaming about for so long that it feels exciting to build on it.

As some of you know in January of 2021, I stepped back from being an employee at Footsteps to become a consultant. This was not an easy decision to make. I love Footsteps, the organization, the staff, and all that it stands for, and I loved the work I was doing. Yet something was pulling me. A call that I have had for many years. I felt the need to carve out time to write, to put some of what my clients have taught me on paper to share with people. I am so grateful to let you know that I have completed the first draft of my book!

It didn’t happen overnight. I had to fiercely guard the time I had created to write this book, to make sure that laundry, phone calls, and other seemingly important things didn’t slip in and fill my day. I tried a few different routines to figure out the one that works best to get me to my desk writing. I still need to protect that time. I can easily get distracted. 

The book needs work, it needs more editing and it needs a publishing house. Yet, I am so grateful that I have come to the place where it is now. WOW!!!! I am humbled and full of appreciation that I am up to this point.

So the question arises – what’s next?

There is a proverb that is usually attributed to African people that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” Over the past few months, I have realized that I cannot do everything I want to do alone. I am used to running my own practice, working for Footsteps, and doing speaking engagements. And, I am recognizing that I can only go so far alone, and so I have entered into partnership with a wonderful marketing manager. Giving up control is not easy for me, allowing another to handle my speaking calendar. She is wonderful and I trust her, and at the same time, letting go is difficult. 

While I still have some residual symptoms from my concussion. I assembled a wonderful group of healthcare providers helping me along. I am really doing so much better. This is enabling me to imagine doing more public speaking. If your organization, corporation, or congregation is looking for someone with my expertise, please reach out. My marketing manager will be fielding these inquiries and I am feeling well enough to do more public speaking. 

She has created a new website for me. Feel free to check it out at revchani.com. With my busy schedule, there is no way I could have done it. I am realizing that in partnership, we can each bring our expertise forward, and magic is created.

As you sit and think about the year ahead…

What are the things that you might need to let go of, even though they are working for you, for something else to have space to emerge?

What are the dreams that are asking to be born in you?

Where in your life are you ready to let go of control to build something even greater than what you can imagine by yourself?

May you have a:

K’siva V’chasima Tova (Traditional Hebrew)

Ah Git Gebentchta Yur  / A Zissen Yur (Yiddish)

Shana Tova U’metukca (Modern Hebrew)

A blessed and sweet New Year