Rosh Hashana begins a 10 day personal reflection which ends on Yom Kippur. As Rosh Hashana quickly approaches, it is time for all of us to reassess our goals and our dreams. We look at our past achievements, our failures, the good times, and the bad. Most importantly, we look for improvement in the days ahead of us.

This past year was a whirlwind for me. Professionally;  I completed 100 hours of a Family Mediation internship, I became a presenter at the Ontario Family Court, and I trained as a Certified Divorce Coach. My Coaching training specifically taught me how to help others become unstuck, how to conquer their doubts, their fears, and how to find the tools to become their best selves. All of which really resonates with what we need to do on Rosh Hashana.

What most people do not recognize is that in order to move forward more successfully and positively, they need to embrace a place of discomfort. We need to own up to our misgivings, our wrongs, and to accept that we need to try uncomfortable things in order to get to that place of success. If we do not feel this discomfort; we will remain stuck in the places that we want to move  away from, and we will ultimately repeat our same mistakes. Essentially, we need to have self awareness in regard to our shortcomings, and we need to adjust our behaviors and reactions accordingly.

So this Rosh Hashana, think of three areas  where you wish to grow and/or improve. Consider what you will need to do to get there and take the steps to do it. Move out of your comfort zone. It is the only way that you can move forward positively.

My final thought –  I want to wish everyone of my readers a sweet, healthy, and prosperous New Year (with the added bonus of finding love, of course).

Shana Tova,

Jennifer

xoxo

1. Please know that you are not a fifth wheel. If you have been invited as a guest to a Passover Sedar, let me remind you that the Haggadah states “Let all come and eat”. So, know that you are welcome and enjoy the holiday.

2. Feel free to ask questions. Don’t be shy. Ask about the dress code, the time, the other guests, etc. Passover is an occasion where questions are welcomed.

3. Offer to bring something. Offer to bring a side dish, a dessert, but ask your host/hostess first. Guests may have food allergies or perhasp an 18th dessert may not be warranted.

4. Host/ Hostess gifts: Who doesn’t like receiving presents? Some ideas include a pretty matzah cover, Passover truffles, a nice bottle of Passover wine, the options are many. One thing I advise against though are fresh cut flowers unless they are already pre- arranged in a container. Your host/hostess does not have time to play florist. They are busy!

5. Come with an open mind. No two sedars are alike as all families have different traditions and personalities.

6. Be prepared to be offered to be set up on dates by well-meaning guests: While Aunt Shirley may present as your host/hostesses crazy aunt, she may just have the perfect person for you. Give potential matchmaking a chance because you just never know.

Happy Passover friends. All the best to you and yours.

Jennifer
xoxo

Happy Purim friends. I hope that everyone has the chance today to indulge in eating delicious hamentashen, and in taking the time to enjoy our Jewish Mardi-gras.

In the story of Purim, Mordechai’s beautiful niece Esther won a beauty contest at King Ahasuerus’ castle, and she quickly became his second wife. She proved herself to be more than just a pretty face by proving to her husband that Haman, the evil Prime Minister was plotting to kill the Jewish people. The King then had Haman killed, and he gave his blessings to the Jewish people to protect themselves against their enemies.

So, how does all of this relate to dating and to relationships? From what I see, there is a clear message here for both men and for women. Firstly, make sure that you seek out more than a pretty face. Outward beauty fades, but intelligence lasts forever. Secondly, hold on to your truth. Seek out a partner that you can be yourself with, and who is respectful of your opinions.

Once again, have a Happy and Festive Purim.

Love,

Jennifer

I believe that we all live with a fantasy notion of what love is. Most of us grew up reading fairy tales- stories in which the pretty girl was ALWAYS rescued by her handsome prince. If you are old like me, you may even remember a very famous line from the 1970’s movie “Love Story”. The line went like this – “Love means never having to say you are sorry’. Guess what? When you are truly in love with another person you will need to say those three words.

So, what is the meaning of true love?
Love is when you love someone despite their flaws. Nobody is perfect, they are just perfect for you.
Love takes time to build. We all know the infatuation phase. This is the time when your significant other seems awesome in every way. Authentic love though grows from friendship, trust, and understanding just to name a few examples.
Love is when you encourage your partner’ dreams, goals, and cheer on their successes. It means being able to put somebody else’s needs before your own.

Just as importantly, to be in love you need to love yourself. You need to feel good about yourself and your life in order to attract the love that you want.

What are your thoughts about love?

I wish all a very Happy Valentines Day!

Love,

Jennifer