Today was Rosh Hashanah or Jewish New Year with the year being 5778. The Rabbi had a sermon today about happiness. Judaism, according to her, it about going after being happy. Jews don't make a habit of denying themselves unless it's for a specific reason. There are a few fast holidays, such as Yom Kippur, but Judaism isn't about denial to be close to G-d. I found this concept quite interesting and something that I hadn't thought about before.
In her sermon, she asked us to close our eyes and think of something or somethings that could make us happier in this year. I had 2 things that immediately came to mind: finding a new job and getting engaged. These two things may not happen in the next year, but I am no the road to making that happen. I am applying to jobs and I am moving in with my boyfriend in April. So, moving forward at least.
While I will be pursuing my own happiness, I also have a tragedy in the back of my mind. I advocate for mental health awareness, as many of you know. This past month, my community was affected by a suicide. This man was a police officer, had three children and was married to a friend. There wasn't a stated reason to why he ended his life. The negotiation team was outside his hotel room, but were not able to talk him down. We may never know why. I know that his family will need support for a long while to come. Friends and well wishers will go on with their lives, but the immediate family will have a long road to recovery. I know this and will assist in any way that I can in the long term.
I still struggle and know that I will continue to struggle with depression. I have a lot of things to look forward to. I am writing again. I hope to take more classes this year because learning also makes me happy. Life always changes and there are curve balls ahead, I know. I want to continue to be a good friend, girlfriend, employee, daughter and sister.
L'shana Tova!
