You Rock.

And don’t you forget it.

As my young girls get more interested in collecting rocks from each place we visit, I’ve started to pick up a few myself. River rocks are my most choice. Their flawlessly smooth exterior, perfectly comforting presence of weight and the blue-gray tones are the recipe for relaxation. We were painting them over hurrication break and I made this one, You Rock, for a friend who has a lot on her plate. Then I made a few more (some turned out better than others ;). Because I know a lot of people that truly rock—and need to be reminded. In fact, YOU need to be reminded!

It’s easy to get caught up in what we don’t have, what we didn’t do, what we should have said, what we shouldn’t have said, where we wish we could go, blah.blah…. Let this be a good time to let all that fuzzy energy rock on out of your system. Breathe it out and bring in the sunshine, the fresh air (almost sweater weather in these parts!!) and what you have around you. If you had a moment to yourself to even glance at this little blog post, life can’t be too shabby at the moment.

And speeeeaaaaking of life….The Jewish holiday Yom Kippur is approaching and is a nice time (religious or not) to reflect on life.  As a Jewish convert (that claims to know slightly more than my Jew-by-birth husband— but that’s okay…he’ll learn ;), I continue to explore all that there is to know about these many Jewish holidays. Before I converted I was always interested in them having friends and co-workers who observed/celebrated, but never knew what they all acknowledged. What I’ve grasped through conversion (aside from the textbook meanings of things) with my (lower) level of religious observance, religion is what and how a religion interprets itself to you.  I love being Jewish by way of conversion and choice—and sharing the history of my husband’s family with my youngsters. It is a beautiful religion full of enlightening and disciplinary practice.  Though it’s hard work keeping up with all the rules and traditions (and I’m barely keeping it real!/non kosher, etc. sooorryyy). But if anyone knows triumph after struggle, it’s the heritage of the Jewish people.

So before you start to reach for the “unsubscribe” button…..this is not a religious rant. I promise ;) Just more of a segue to the recognition that the Jewish folks have recently welcomed their new year—the birthday of the world, during Rosh Hashanah, and approaching Yom Kippur, for “Atonement”. When the complexity of the Jewish holidays is broken down for the children (as most Biblical stories are kinda gruesome and “adult version”), I love, as a newish-comer, to hear the kid versions as it helps me absorb the meanings (like a Cliff’s Notes!).  So, basically, this time of year, we thank God for creating our world at Rosh Hashanah and at Yom Kippur we say we are sorry, because sometimes we need to. And that we will do better in the new year.  I think that is a solid pause and reminder for all.

When it comes to my spirituality, I’d say I’m more of a melting pot—with the Buddhist karma ways simmering to the top. Basically just trying to be the best you can be in this life. The energy that you put out will return back to you….so make that energy Good. Positive. Clean. Powerful :) Starting nnnnnnnoooooow.

I don’t know a religion that could argue that?

As a side note, it seems my children might be “inheriting” my “spiritual mish mash” ways…. While my oldest identifies as Jewish, she is obsessed with me explaining who the first person “born to this world” was.  She keeps insisting that “it’s probably Santa Claus, right?”. Takes one to know one, sista!

I just wanted to share the message, because religious or spiritual or not—we could all take a time out, recognize how we can do more in a positive way. And most importantly—pat yourself on the back. Think of something you love about yourself.  Go ahead. One thing. Think of it right now. I’ll wait. ………And let this be noted, (gnoted!), that: YOU ROCK.

And don’t you forget it.

PS- On the rock note, my exquisite cousin Lacy and her amazing eye for detail had these as table/place cards at she and her hubs’ wedding this summer. Just stunning. Your wedding left “no stone unturned” baby cakes! xo