I Remember
Today is Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day.*
In honor of all those who perished, were murdered in the Holocaust, and what lessons we can learn from remembering, I send this to you.
My parents are Holocaust survivors, or now, were Holocaust survivors. In their honor and memory, I remember. In memory of the six million Jews who were murdered, I remember. For this I say “Never Again”. We remember to honor those who were murdered and to ensure that it doesn’t happen again, anywhere, and to anyone.
“What does it mean to remember? It is to live in more than one world, to prevent the past from fading, and to call upon the future to illuminate it.” Elie Wiesel
This year we have another reason to remember. While we remember the many, too many, who were murdered, shot, gassed, and many, too many who perished from Typhus, malnutrition, just gave up, suicide…. Today we also remember and think of those like my parents, who weren’t murdered… who survived, as our existence is challenged by Covid-19.
While it is not an apt comparison, as no comparison is fair or equal, they can serve as lessons, reminders, and add some perspective.
To most of us, it is unimaginable how the survivors survived enduring the unendurable and unimaginable.
They were able to do this because consciously or un, they believed that their lives had a purpose and meaning. They had faith, hope and looked to the future with that. They believed they had something or someone to live for. If they didn’t, they probably wouldn’t have survived in the first place.
This is a powerful lesson and reminder for us all. These survivors remind us of what people are capable of enduring, how, and why.
It is a powerful lesson for all of us today in “shelter in place”, uncertain of how long, fearful of the disease, mourn the loss of life, fearful of our personal economic future, etc.
Just like the survivors did, let’s replace fearful thoughts by looking to the future with faith, hope, and purpose. With that, we can and will get through this to a brighter tomorrow.
“The way in which a man accepts his fate and all the suffering it entails, the way in which he takes up his cross, gives him ample opportunity—even under the most difficult circumstances—to add a deeper meaning to his life.” – Dr. Viktor Frankl from “Man’s Search For Meaning
Be Good Do Good Think Good Be Healthy
*Today is also the Yarzheit, anniversary of my Mother’s passing. I write this in her honor and memory. Quite a coincidence that her passing was on the same day as Yom Hashoah?
The Things We Learn
As we continue to go through this very challenging time, we learn some things, and are reminded of some that we already knew. We knew them, but allowed them to fall from daily practice. Or we never really put into practice, even though we knew better. Now we can learn and/or learn again and put them into regular practice now and when things get better (not if – but when).
Some Lessons Of The Many Lessons
Priorities
Many of the things that we made priorities, we now realize aren’t really that important. We learn about that which truly matters, puts meaning in our lives, and hence brings real joy. Take inventory of how , where, and on what you’ve spent your time before. This period has given us an opportunity to learn what really matters.
Connecting
We learn the value of staying connected. We learn the value of a phone call, not just social media or text. Let someone hear your voice, so they know you care. Don’t you like to hear someone’s voice? How much more personal and meaningful is that versus social media? Social media takes very little time and effort.
We all know someone who in normal times could use some love and attention, how much more so now. So many of us are in “stay at home” and have cabin fever. What about those that have empty cabin fever? Make the call and make it a lasting habit
Always Wear A Smlie
Remembering to always smile. It makes you feel better. It brings a ray of sunshine to what might be a cloudy day to the person you’re smiling at.
The downside of wearing a mask, is that someone can’t see you smile. I was on a walk the other day and as usual I wave and smile at everyone. Two women were walking towards me from the other direction. One of them said to me “I’m smiling back, but you can’t see it because I’m wearing a mask”. I said, “I can tell that you were smiling. Keep smiling whether you think someone can see it or not. They may not see it but they can feel it” She said was very touched. Then I left her with this quote
“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. – Phyliss Diller
Don’t Procrastinate
We all to some degree procrastinate. This pandemic reminds us of how quickly things can change. We are reminded of how precious each moment we are given is. With those reminders, we are reminded to not put off. If we do the shelves might be empty and there will not be any toilet paper…….that was a joke/ metaphor. Only put off that which shouldn’t be done t all.
“I was planning to procrastinate, but I never got around to it.” – Unknown
Take For Granted Or Be Grateful
There are so many things that we normally take for granted and now we realize that they are things we should be grateful for. Be grateful for the things we take for granted or don’t take for granted the things we should be grateful for.
I don’t take for granted the loyal readers of this site and I am always grateful for them. That is why I do this.
Let’s learn to remember and remember to learn
Learning, remembering, and putting into action the many lessons will bring more happiness to your life and will make this a better world when this is over.
Be Good Do Good Think Good Be Healthy
These are just some reminder/lessons. Using the comment box, please share the ones you’ve learned
Sing A Song*
I am positive that having a positive attitude is always the best way to live. A positive attitude does not guarantee a positive outcome, but it does guarantee that you will be better able to handle anything that comes your way. A positive attitude can improve your immune system versus a negative attitude that weakens it.
When negative thoughts try to enter, and they will, especially now, sing them away with a song.
Sing it out loud, or to yourself, or to someone who needs to hear it. No sad songs, only songs that will lift you up, put a smile on your face, bring some tears of joy, and give you hope!
If words are the pen of the heart, then song is the pen of the soul.” – Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi
Here is a list of suggestions. All of these songs do it for me*
*”Sing A Song” – Earth, Wind, and Fire
“Put On A Happy Face” -Dick Van Dyke from “Bye, Bye Birdie”
“I Whistle A Happy Tune” – Gertrude Lawrence From “The King and I”
“Something’s Coming” – Brian Stokes Mitchell original version from “West Side Story”
“Here Comes The Sun” – Richie Havens
“Tomorrow” – Aileen Quinn from “Annie”
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” – Gerry and the Pacemakers original version from “Carousel’
“What The World Needs Now Is Love” -Jackie De Shannon
“Put A Little Love In Your Heart” – Jackie DE Shannon
“Somewhere Over The Rainbow” – Judy Garland from “The Wizard Of Oz”
“Smile – Nat King Cole
“What A Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong
“You’ve Got A Friend” – Carole King
“Impossible Dream” – Brian Stokes Mitchell from “Man Of La Mancha”
“Gonna Fly Now” – from “Rocky”
There are many, many more. Please use the comment box to add your suggestions
Be Good Do Good Think Good Be Kind Be Healthy
*Im positive that I’ve left many out. There are several versions of these above named songs
This Could Be The Most Contagious
Everyone the world over has been affected, sadly many infected, and too many lost by the highly contagious Covid-19 virus.
Thankfully, many are working hard on finding cures and vaccines.
It’s also heart warming to see lots of people reaching out, helping out, exhibiting Kindness.
Kindness* is very contagious. Let’s make it the most contagious!
Kindness through compassion, empathy, love, helping, charity….
All of us can spread, affect, and infect everyone with Kindness!!
We can think kind thoughts, say kind things, and do kind things. Think kind thoughts, turn them into kind words, then turn them into kind deeds.
Kind words, particularly in this time of challenge, are positive ones that will help calm the fears and worries of the unknown.
Probably the most difficult to do, is being kind to those we disagree with or disagree with us. That which is the most difficult is always the most important to do.
Lead by example. Then you will affect and infect everyone you have contact with. Then kindness will spread and go around the world, hopefully in less than eighty days.
Sing along with me
It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love,
No not just for some but for everyone.”
Be Good Do Good Think Good Be Kind Be Healthy
*for more on Kindness read previous posts by clicking here
Time To Think
I wanted to put something out sooner but I was too busy washing my hands:)
As schools, restaurants, businesses, etc. close and so many of us are in self isolation/quarantining during this extraordinary challenge, we have much more time to think. Use this as an opportunity to evaluate.
Some things to think about during this challenging period
Think about what your priorities have been. What are they and/or what should they be? What is truly valuable to you? What will really bring you joy, not just happiness? What gives your life purpose and meaning*, or what could? Are there changes you could/should make?
Think of what freedom was like and value freedom more.
Thoughts turned to action
Think about who would like to hear from you, no matter how long it’s been. Think about how that could be a regular habit.
Think about who might need some help and then help them in any way you can. That’s something to do even in normal times. Don’t you think?
If you have children, think about how this might affect them. Let them see you in control, relaxed, and positive. Hug them.
Love thy neighbor. Love thyself, so that you can love thy neighbor.
Value every day and every moment given to you. Then do something of value with that time.
Be grateful. What are you grateful for? There’s always something to be grateful for. Start everyday thinking about what you’re grateful for. Then end every day that way.
Most Important
Only think positive thoughts. If negative thoughts enter, while it’s easier said than done, change the channel. Turn on Seinfeld re-reuns, after all it’s a show about nothing:)
I have more thoughts on what you can think about but if I make this longer you won’t have time to wash your hands:)
Use the comment button to share any thoughts you would like to add to this list
Be Good Do Good Think Good Be Healthy
*Once again, If you haven’t already read it, read “Man’s Search For Meaning” by Dr. Viktor Frankl
Can you prepare for the uncertainties in life?
The answer is….. Certainly
Once again and continually, we are reminded of the certainty of the uncertainties of life.
There are always the global uncertainties such as the economy and markets, wars and terrorism, extreme weather, etc. Now we are understandably concerned and uncertain about the Coronavirus.
Then there are the more personal uncertainties such as personal finances, illnesses of yourself or loved ones, relationship issues, etc.
Don’t predict your future just be prepared for it
How do you prepare for it?
It begins with always having a positive attitude. A positive attitude keeps you strong and therefore more able and better equipped to handle any adversity, emotionally and physically. A positive attitude will keep you focused on your goal(s).
“Think good and it will be good.” – Rabbi Menachem Mendel, The Tzemach Tzedek
If your outlook is always negative, then the choices you make will take you away from climbing your mountain, from fulfilling your ultimate dreams and goals. It will almost certainly become a self-fulfilling prophesy, of a negative outcome. A negative attitude makes you vulnerable to panic. Panic, just like anger, never leads to good decisions. Studies also show it weakens your immune system.
“If you keep saying things are going to be bad, you have a good chance of being a prophet.” — Isaac Bashevis Singer
Would a boxer be more or less likely to win a match if he went into it with a positive or negative attitude?
Along with a positive attitude, eat well, exercise, sleep, and smile.
In the case of the Coronavirus follow the recommendations such as washing your hands, etc.
“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it”. – Helen Keller
“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” – Art Linkletter
Sing Along with me “When you walk through a storm hold your head up high and don’t be afraid of the dark at the end of the storm Is a golden sky and the sweet silver song of a lark”*
Wherever you go, wherever you’re taken always wear a smile and carry a positive attitude with you
Be Good Do Good Think Good
*From “Carousel” by Rodgers and Hammerstein.
The Spinning Rabbi - Heart & Soul 