It’s dreary and raining this Sunday afternoon. I’m writing now because Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement and highest holiday in the Jewish calendar, starts this evening and goes through Monday, which is the day I normally write this blog. It’s a somber day that caps a period of self-reflection. We’re supposed to think about who we’ve wronged during the year and make amends. We’re supposed to ask hard questions: How can I do better, be better to my family, friends, my community, in my relationship with God?
I wish I felt better prepared. I haven’t been able to find time to think about all of this in advance. So tomorrow will be a crash review of the year and what I need to improve on.
I know a few things. I need to be more patient with those closest to me—and with myself. I cannot be or pretend to be Wonder Woman and do everything for everyone else who needs me. Sometimes it really is best to step back, even if my ego says I could/should step forward.
There’s more, much more, to contemplate. It seems like an onerous task, at first, but by sundown on Yom Kippur, I always actually feel clearer and lighter—not just from fasting, but from introspection.
And so, to all who observe this holiday, I hope you, too, had a meaningful day. Whatever your faith or beliefs, be well.
Evelyn Herwitz blogs weekly about living fully with chronic disease, the inside of baseballs, turtles and frogs, J.S. Bach, the meaning of life and whatever else she happens to be thinking about at livingwithscleroderma.com. Please view Privacy Policy here.
Image: Walter Walraven
Your feelings mirror mine, from the apprehension and self-scrutiny to the feeling of lightness and relief at the end. I would say that my besetting sin is impatience and it cropped up again before we went to bed last night. I guess that’s why we need Yom Kippur to come every year. Sigh.