Blogspot has not been so cooperative in allowing participation in this blogging endeavor. Multiple people have sent me emails that their comments won't get published or they are not able to figure out how to subscribe.
Therefore, I have decided to switch domains!
Ivdu et Hashem b'Simcha will now be on wordpress -
www.ivduethashembsimcha.wordpress.com
Hope to see you there!
Friday, July 25, 2014
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Sometimes, a good cry can make me happy
The day before 'Captain's departure, he fasted for the Seventeenth of Tammuz, a day which begins "The Three weeks" on the Jewish calendar. These three weeks culminate in a day called Tisha b'Av, the 9th day of the month of Av. This auspicious day has marked much tragedy throughout Jewish history.
During one of my first experiences in observing this period of time, I remember a wise rabbi's explanation on how and why we grieve. He explained that Judaism does not allow us to be sad without purpose throughout the year. There is so much to be happy about, we need to feel and express that happiness. During this short time, however, we are not only allowed to feel sad, we are supposed to feel sad. Whenever we feel sadness throughout the year, we need to bottle it up and save it for the Three Weeks or Tisha b'Av so that we will have the emotions accessible with which to express our devastation at all that does not exist in this world. We do not have a Temple to serve G-d. G-d's creations do not live in peace. We must spend three weeks of the year mourning for this state of the world and then we may go back to living b'simcha - with happiness.
I do not remember the exact day, but right around the beginning of the three weeks, Israeli soldiers entered Gaza by foot to eradicate as much terror as possible and protect their People. This act of defense has served as a conduit for anti-Semites throughout the world to express their criticism for the Jewish State and the Jewish People.
As you might conclude, between the state of the world and 'Capt's deployment, it has not been extremely difficult to find a source of sad emotions this year.
At the same time, I can not be a puddle of tears day in and day out. I have kids counting on me to take care of them and give them a sense of security.
Some days, my emotions do seep into my parenting. I notice my patience getting short. I notice myself snapping at a child whose action did not deserve such a reaction.
So what do I do? I find a quiet place in solitude and I cry a lot. Releasing these emotions brings me to a place of patience and tranquility.
It makes sense to feel and express these emotions once a year - we release it all - opening up a place within us for happiness and שלום shalom - peace to reside. Then, each year we hope to use that happiness and sense of positive purpose to make this world a better place, bring the Jewish people closer to our Destiny and merit the coming of Masshiach so that we won't have to go through the sadness again the next year.
During one of my first experiences in observing this period of time, I remember a wise rabbi's explanation on how and why we grieve. He explained that Judaism does not allow us to be sad without purpose throughout the year. There is so much to be happy about, we need to feel and express that happiness. During this short time, however, we are not only allowed to feel sad, we are supposed to feel sad. Whenever we feel sadness throughout the year, we need to bottle it up and save it for the Three Weeks or Tisha b'Av so that we will have the emotions accessible with which to express our devastation at all that does not exist in this world. We do not have a Temple to serve G-d. G-d's creations do not live in peace. We must spend three weeks of the year mourning for this state of the world and then we may go back to living b'simcha - with happiness.
I do not remember the exact day, but right around the beginning of the three weeks, Israeli soldiers entered Gaza by foot to eradicate as much terror as possible and protect their People. This act of defense has served as a conduit for anti-Semites throughout the world to express their criticism for the Jewish State and the Jewish People.
As you might conclude, between the state of the world and 'Capt's deployment, it has not been extremely difficult to find a source of sad emotions this year.
At the same time, I can not be a puddle of tears day in and day out. I have kids counting on me to take care of them and give them a sense of security.
Some days, my emotions do seep into my parenting. I notice my patience getting short. I notice myself snapping at a child whose action did not deserve such a reaction.
So what do I do? I find a quiet place in solitude and I cry a lot. Releasing these emotions brings me to a place of patience and tranquility.
It makes sense to feel and express these emotions once a year - we release it all - opening up a place within us for happiness and שלום shalom - peace to reside. Then, each year we hope to use that happiness and sense of positive purpose to make this world a better place, bring the Jewish people closer to our Destiny and merit the coming of Masshiach so that we won't have to go through the sadness again the next year.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Showing unconditional love
I have recently gotten very into a new-to-me series of relationship books - The Five Love Languages.
If you're interested in a synopsis of the concept, look here:
http://www.5lovelanguages.com/
I first heard of this theory a few years ago when I participated in a Shalom Bayit (creating a peaceful home) class. The ideal of a truly peaceful home is stressed greatly in Jewish practice as a necessary prerequisite for allowing kedusha (holiness) into the home. The Shalom begins with the relationship between the husband and the wife and then radiates outward affecting everybody.
While doing my Amazon pre-deployment shop-fest, I came across a book - The Five Love Languages - Military Edition. For $10, I figured it was worth a try. I had been wanting to learn more about the teachings of Dr. Chapman, and the military vignettes could only add to the reading experience. I received the book a
week before 'Captain's departure and quickly devoured 5 chapters. I loved what I read so much that I ordered another copy for 'Cap to take with him (thank you Amazon Prime 2 day shipping!). This book contained some true gems for enhancing our understanding of each other and realizing the best way to express love in our particular relationship. Perhaps in another entry, I will expound on everything I learned from this book, but this post is actually about an entirely different lesson.
While purchasing the second copy, I noticed that there is also a book on the 5 love languages of children. I have been a little disappointed in my parenting recently and bought this book in hopes of it revolutionizing my ability to parent just as it seemed to revolutionize my ability to understand my husband.
I have yet to finish the book, but in the three chapters I read last night, it has already labeled my current parenting flaws and promised to teach me how to correct them.
I am usually more reserved about sharing such personal experiences, especially when doing so reveals my greatest weaknesses, but I have decided that it is important. A number of the people who read this blog are moms of young children. I think that my mistakes are easy mistakes to make while in conversation with toddlers and young lawyers day after day.
How many strategies can one employ in an attempt for compliance from a young child? "Please do this." - "Do this right now." - "If you don't do this then..." - "I'm counting to 3..." - "I said do it!" .... etc....
It seems attractive to use conditional statements. - "I'm not going to do ________ for you unless you listen and do ________." - "Only good listeners get special privileges from Mommy."
Unfortunately, this has become an instinctual go to for me. At some point in my life, this technique was ingrained and I am having trouble scratching it from the surface of my brain. I never understood why it was so wrong until I read the 5 love languages for children.
The most important ingredient for compliant, happy, well-adjusted children is that they receive a constant source of unconditional love. Children crave love. One might think that if they crave it so much then you can tell them that in order to get that love they will need to listen to you. Through this statement, a parent implies that a wayward child will not deserve parental signs of affection. Interestingly, this strategy makes them less likely to listen. Children feel security through knowing that their parents love them and will always show this love regardless of their behavior. The more you show love, the better position you will be in to enforce appropriate discipline when necessary.
Now how do we "fill their love tanks" with unconditional love? Dr. Gary Chapman explains implementation of the languages - Physical touch, Words of affirmation, Quality time, Acts of sevice and Gifts - in his book.
Today, I focused the entire day on expressing as much love as possible to all of the children. I hugged and kissed them every chance I got. I looked for every genuine compliment I could give about their character, and I made an effort to designate chunks of one on one time to each child (even the baby). When a child began to whine or act up, rather than a reprimand, I asked if they wanted to come do something special with me. I didn't reinforce the whine by giving in to their particular demand, but I took the whine as a sign that their love tank was no longer full and they needed me to top it off.
Thank G-d - what a day! Everyone commented at dinner at what a fun day we had. 90% of our day was spent at home with an hour excursion to our regular park. We did not do anything extravagant, but the kids sensed a difference, and it was evident in their behavior.
What a beautiful way to create happy, well-adjusted, compliant children.
<<Disclaimer: I am sure I will not be able to implement this strategy every day to its fullest extent, but the intention is the important first step.>>
If you're interested in a synopsis of the concept, look here:
http://www.5lovelanguages.com/
I first heard of this theory a few years ago when I participated in a Shalom Bayit (creating a peaceful home) class. The ideal of a truly peaceful home is stressed greatly in Jewish practice as a necessary prerequisite for allowing kedusha (holiness) into the home. The Shalom begins with the relationship between the husband and the wife and then radiates outward affecting everybody.
While doing my Amazon pre-deployment shop-fest, I came across a book - The Five Love Languages - Military Edition. For $10, I figured it was worth a try. I had been wanting to learn more about the teachings of Dr. Chapman, and the military vignettes could only add to the reading experience. I received the book a
week before 'Captain's departure and quickly devoured 5 chapters. I loved what I read so much that I ordered another copy for 'Cap to take with him (thank you Amazon Prime 2 day shipping!). This book contained some true gems for enhancing our understanding of each other and realizing the best way to express love in our particular relationship. Perhaps in another entry, I will expound on everything I learned from this book, but this post is actually about an entirely different lesson.
While purchasing the second copy, I noticed that there is also a book on the 5 love languages of children. I have been a little disappointed in my parenting recently and bought this book in hopes of it revolutionizing my ability to parent just as it seemed to revolutionize my ability to understand my husband.
I have yet to finish the book, but in the three chapters I read last night, it has already labeled my current parenting flaws and promised to teach me how to correct them.
I am usually more reserved about sharing such personal experiences, especially when doing so reveals my greatest weaknesses, but I have decided that it is important. A number of the people who read this blog are moms of young children. I think that my mistakes are easy mistakes to make while in conversation with toddlers and young lawyers day after day.
How many strategies can one employ in an attempt for compliance from a young child? "Please do this." - "Do this right now." - "If you don't do this then..." - "I'm counting to 3..." - "I said do it!" .... etc....
It seems attractive to use conditional statements. - "I'm not going to do ________ for you unless you listen and do ________." - "Only good listeners get special privileges from Mommy."
Unfortunately, this has become an instinctual go to for me. At some point in my life, this technique was ingrained and I am having trouble scratching it from the surface of my brain. I never understood why it was so wrong until I read the 5 love languages for children.
The most important ingredient for compliant, happy, well-adjusted children is that they receive a constant source of unconditional love. Children crave love. One might think that if they crave it so much then you can tell them that in order to get that love they will need to listen to you. Through this statement, a parent implies that a wayward child will not deserve parental signs of affection. Interestingly, this strategy makes them less likely to listen. Children feel security through knowing that their parents love them and will always show this love regardless of their behavior. The more you show love, the better position you will be in to enforce appropriate discipline when necessary.
Now how do we "fill their love tanks" with unconditional love? Dr. Gary Chapman explains implementation of the languages - Physical touch, Words of affirmation, Quality time, Acts of sevice and Gifts - in his book.
Today, I focused the entire day on expressing as much love as possible to all of the children. I hugged and kissed them every chance I got. I looked for every genuine compliment I could give about their character, and I made an effort to designate chunks of one on one time to each child (even the baby). When a child began to whine or act up, rather than a reprimand, I asked if they wanted to come do something special with me. I didn't reinforce the whine by giving in to their particular demand, but I took the whine as a sign that their love tank was no longer full and they needed me to top it off.
Thank G-d - what a day! Everyone commented at dinner at what a fun day we had. 90% of our day was spent at home with an hour excursion to our regular park. We did not do anything extravagant, but the kids sensed a difference, and it was evident in their behavior.
What a beautiful way to create happy, well-adjusted, compliant children.
<<Disclaimer: I am sure I will not be able to implement this strategy every day to its fullest extent, but the intention is the important first step.>>
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Is Retail Therapy all that bad??
I've heard mixed reviews on the therapeutic benefit of shopping.
For some, the process of shopping in and of itself provides calming effects. One can walk through a store for an hour, leave empty handed, and feel better after having had the experience. It serves as a purposeful distraction from life.
Others benefit from the fleeting joy of acquiring something new. Psychologists, however, argue that this joy actually leaves a larger abyss in its absence than the prior emptiness. One needs to continually acquire more and more in order to attain the same level of "happiness."
Over the past few weeks, I have been doing a lot of "retail therapy." On one hand, I have justified that I want to feel prepared and secure for what life might bring. I got a new water bottle to make sure I stay well hydrated during this extra stressful time. I bought a new backpack to replace the one I've used since high school because I am working at a camp for a month and then flying on my own with the kids, so I need something sturdy with substantial organization potential. I made these purchases not only for the joy of the acquisition, but for the joy I hope to feel each time they're used. When someone goes clothes shopping, isn't it a similar motivation? Each time they wear the clothes, won't they feel a little happy? Or does this wear off once it's not new anymore, leaving in its absence a desire to acquire yet again to have something else new?
One thing is for sure - if you are going to do retail therapy, you might as well do it online! This is the way to go for two reasons -
1) It takes a lot less time.
2) You get the buyer's high twice - once when you pick it out and click "Purchase," and again when a box arrives at the door and you get to open it and enjoy the purchase!
My Captain talked me out of some of the completely unnecessary purchases, but for now I enjoy my new water filtration system as I get to sip pure and clean water to rehydrate at the end of a long day. :-)
For some, the process of shopping in and of itself provides calming effects. One can walk through a store for an hour, leave empty handed, and feel better after having had the experience. It serves as a purposeful distraction from life.
Others benefit from the fleeting joy of acquiring something new. Psychologists, however, argue that this joy actually leaves a larger abyss in its absence than the prior emptiness. One needs to continually acquire more and more in order to attain the same level of "happiness."
Over the past few weeks, I have been doing a lot of "retail therapy." On one hand, I have justified that I want to feel prepared and secure for what life might bring. I got a new water bottle to make sure I stay well hydrated during this extra stressful time. I bought a new backpack to replace the one I've used since high school because I am working at a camp for a month and then flying on my own with the kids, so I need something sturdy with substantial organization potential. I made these purchases not only for the joy of the acquisition, but for the joy I hope to feel each time they're used. When someone goes clothes shopping, isn't it a similar motivation? Each time they wear the clothes, won't they feel a little happy? Or does this wear off once it's not new anymore, leaving in its absence a desire to acquire yet again to have something else new?
One thing is for sure - if you are going to do retail therapy, you might as well do it online! This is the way to go for two reasons -
1) It takes a lot less time.
2) You get the buyer's high twice - once when you pick it out and click "Purchase," and again when a box arrives at the door and you get to open it and enjoy the purchase!
My Captain talked me out of some of the completely unnecessary purchases, but for now I enjoy my new water filtration system as I get to sip pure and clean water to rehydrate at the end of a long day. :-)
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
On perspective
The deployment begins.
Six months of life without our "captain" (husband has decided upon this blog name for himself :-))
Over the past few days, I have given a lot of thought to my psychological approach. In comparison to our previous deployments of 2 1/2 months, it seems like an eternity. But it's not an eternity - it's six months. At least it's not 12 months!! And if it were 12 months...... at least he's not sailing across an ocean only to return at the unknown time of the conclusion of the war (as was the case for most soldiers in WWII - those who made it home).
It's all about perspective.
Six months is six months is six months.
Back when we dealt with 10 week deployments, I used to count the weeks. After week one - 10% complete! After week two - 20%... etc. I took a very mathematical approach to the passage of day after day.
With six months, that would be a little too depressing in the beginning. So instead, I have decided to just live each day independent of the big picture of time. A true role model who used to live in our community went through a 9 month deployment. Each time I asked how she was doing, she responded, "One day at a time." Now, I know where she was coming from. It's the only way to do it. In the day, I can feel joy and excitement. I can experience the here and now. If I view the day as a means to the return of my captain, it will be filled with sadness. So I will be in the day and in the moment. I will be with my children and my amazing friends - who have already reached out in so many ways to make me feel supported and not alone. And with G-d's help, this approach will make the days pass quickly, one after the other, eventually giving rise to the sun on the morning of his return.
Here we go - ready or not - it's sink or swim - and I've decided to swim!
Six months of life without our "captain" (husband has decided upon this blog name for himself :-))
Over the past few days, I have given a lot of thought to my psychological approach. In comparison to our previous deployments of 2 1/2 months, it seems like an eternity. But it's not an eternity - it's six months. At least it's not 12 months!! And if it were 12 months...... at least he's not sailing across an ocean only to return at the unknown time of the conclusion of the war (as was the case for most soldiers in WWII - those who made it home).
It's all about perspective.
Six months is six months is six months.
Back when we dealt with 10 week deployments, I used to count the weeks. After week one - 10% complete! After week two - 20%... etc. I took a very mathematical approach to the passage of day after day.
With six months, that would be a little too depressing in the beginning. So instead, I have decided to just live each day independent of the big picture of time. A true role model who used to live in our community went through a 9 month deployment. Each time I asked how she was doing, she responded, "One day at a time." Now, I know where she was coming from. It's the only way to do it. In the day, I can feel joy and excitement. I can experience the here and now. If I view the day as a means to the return of my captain, it will be filled with sadness. So I will be in the day and in the moment. I will be with my children and my amazing friends - who have already reached out in so many ways to make me feel supported and not alone. And with G-d's help, this approach will make the days pass quickly, one after the other, eventually giving rise to the sun on the morning of his return.
Here we go - ready or not - it's sink or swim - and I've decided to swim!
Sunday, July 13, 2014
"To serve G-d and my country..."
Since my initial post, my musings have peripherally touched upon the topic of serving G-d with happiness. I have discussed ways to enhance happiness and avoid aspects of life that detract from happiness. I then hope that once a level of happiness is attained, it will result in a state of being ready to serve G-d (in all the ways discussed here: Ivdu et Hashem bsimcha).
Today, I deliberate on a specific, very important way that I do what G-d wants of me.
I am an עזר כנגדו (ezer kenegdo). When G-d created woman, He called her the "compatible helper" to man. On a deeper level, a spiritual companion.
A husband and wife each have this role to and for each other. One's purpose in marriage is to help and give to the other on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. If both spouses embody this principle then they will both receive adequately. I have worked very hard on attaining this perspective in my marriage. It did not come naturally to me (does it to anybody???!?!). I still have a long way to go, but I think that I have finally gotten to the point of thinking of my husband's needs as equal to mine. Eventually, I would like to feel as though I put his needs above my own. Realistically, this will not be possible until my children are older and I don't need to take care of myself so that I can be in a place to put their every need before my own.
I digress.
Right now, my role as my husband's helpmate is to support him on the six month journey he commences this week. It's simultaneously a journey of warfare and a journey of personal character and strength. He will face challenges and with G-d's help, he will learn and grow as a military officer and as a person. Throughout this time, I need to be there for him. Even more importantly, I need to do it b'simcha - with happiness! Yes, I am back home taking care of three children on my own day in and day out, but I need to infuse this life with as much happiness as possible so that I can maintain the strength that I need to support him in his journey. I need to serve my husband and my children with happiness. Through so doing, I indirectly help myself, because it is much more enjoyable to be happy than sad.
I will cry when he leaves. I am sure of it. It's about as sure as the sun rising tomorrow morning. But as those tears fade, they will be replaced by fortification, strength, and a deep happiness that I am given the opportunity to help him do what he needs to do and be who he needs to be.
Today, I deliberate on a specific, very important way that I do what G-d wants of me.
I am an עזר כנגדו (ezer kenegdo). When G-d created woman, He called her the "compatible helper" to man. On a deeper level, a spiritual companion.
A husband and wife each have this role to and for each other. One's purpose in marriage is to help and give to the other on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. If both spouses embody this principle then they will both receive adequately. I have worked very hard on attaining this perspective in my marriage. It did not come naturally to me (does it to anybody???!?!). I still have a long way to go, but I think that I have finally gotten to the point of thinking of my husband's needs as equal to mine. Eventually, I would like to feel as though I put his needs above my own. Realistically, this will not be possible until my children are older and I don't need to take care of myself so that I can be in a place to put their every need before my own.
I digress.
Right now, my role as my husband's helpmate is to support him on the six month journey he commences this week. It's simultaneously a journey of warfare and a journey of personal character and strength. He will face challenges and with G-d's help, he will learn and grow as a military officer and as a person. Throughout this time, I need to be there for him. Even more importantly, I need to do it b'simcha - with happiness! Yes, I am back home taking care of three children on my own day in and day out, but I need to infuse this life with as much happiness as possible so that I can maintain the strength that I need to support him in his journey. I need to serve my husband and my children with happiness. Through so doing, I indirectly help myself, because it is much more enjoyable to be happy than sad.
I will cry when he leaves. I am sure of it. It's about as sure as the sun rising tomorrow morning. But as those tears fade, they will be replaced by fortification, strength, and a deep happiness that I am given the opportunity to help him do what he needs to do and be who he needs to be.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
"I am how I clean."
Have you ever heard the common saying, "I am what I eat"?
For those of you who don't know, I have a background in math. In analyzing life, I look through bifocals combining a psychological and mathematical lens. In mathematical proofs, there are three potential relationships between components A and B in a given theorem:
1) If A then B
2) If B then A
3) If A then B AND If B then A (written A if and only if B)
For the saying, "I am what I eat," people usually refer to the causal relationship "If I eat something healthy then I will be healthy," or conversely, "If I eat something unhealthy, then I will be unhealthy."
I instead look at this relationship as an "if and only if" relationship (#3). If I eat something healthy, I will be a healthy person. If I am a healthy person then I will make healthy eating choices. Conversely, if I eat something unhealthy, then I will be unhealthy - AND - If I am an unhealthy person then I will make poor eating choices.
This post is actually not about eating choices at all.
I wanted to demonstrate how this relationship can work in various areas of life.
As those of you close with me know, my family is approaching a highly stressful stage in life. In one week, my husband leaves for a six month deployment. As we prepare - both physically and emotionally - for his departure, I have felt a strong urge to keep my house as clean and organized as possible.
As I start to understand myself better, I realize that my house is put together well when I am in a good place emotionally. If I am floating on cloud 9, I get sudden urges to clean out all of my closets, scrub the refrigerator and organize the arts and crafts cabinet - just for fun! Right now, I definitely don't have the emotional energy to tackle those projects. However, I feel very strongly that if I force myself to create a clean, organized living environment then spending all day in these surroundings will positively affect my emotions and coping ability.
Do you notice a correlation between the tidiness of your home and your emotional state?
(P.S. A number of people have written me emails in response to their reading this blog, but I would love to see some comments and conversation about the topics I bring up. Please feel free to comment if you feel comfortable)
For those of you who don't know, I have a background in math. In analyzing life, I look through bifocals combining a psychological and mathematical lens. In mathematical proofs, there are three potential relationships between components A and B in a given theorem:
1) If A then B
2) If B then A
3) If A then B AND If B then A (written A if and only if B)
For the saying, "I am what I eat," people usually refer to the causal relationship "If I eat something healthy then I will be healthy," or conversely, "If I eat something unhealthy, then I will be unhealthy."
I instead look at this relationship as an "if and only if" relationship (#3). If I eat something healthy, I will be a healthy person. If I am a healthy person then I will make healthy eating choices. Conversely, if I eat something unhealthy, then I will be unhealthy - AND - If I am an unhealthy person then I will make poor eating choices.
This post is actually not about eating choices at all.
I wanted to demonstrate how this relationship can work in various areas of life.
As those of you close with me know, my family is approaching a highly stressful stage in life. In one week, my husband leaves for a six month deployment. As we prepare - both physically and emotionally - for his departure, I have felt a strong urge to keep my house as clean and organized as possible.
As I start to understand myself better, I realize that my house is put together well when I am in a good place emotionally. If I am floating on cloud 9, I get sudden urges to clean out all of my closets, scrub the refrigerator and organize the arts and crafts cabinet - just for fun! Right now, I definitely don't have the emotional energy to tackle those projects. However, I feel very strongly that if I force myself to create a clean, organized living environment then spending all day in these surroundings will positively affect my emotions and coping ability.
Do you notice a correlation between the tidiness of your home and your emotional state?
(P.S. A number of people have written me emails in response to their reading this blog, but I would love to see some comments and conversation about the topics I bring up. Please feel free to comment if you feel comfortable)
Monday, July 7, 2014
A child's perspective
About six months ago, a wise friend reminded me of this concept, "Ivdu et Hashem b'simcha" - everything you do should be with happiness.
For a week, I centered my life around this goal.
I painted a sign to put in my house as a constant reminder.
Every time a child tested my patience and I felt the urge to get upset at them, I sang at the top of my lungs my favorite rendition of "Ivdu et Hashem b'simcha."
This intense focus lasted a short time.
The other day, out of the blue, the song popped into my head.
I began to sing - "Ivdu et Hashem b'simcha, bo'u l'fanav bir'nana...." (Serve G-d with happiness, come before Him with joy)
My astute 3yo with a musical memory to boot cut me off immediately.
"Mommy! We're not doing anything wrong! Don't sing that!"
For a week, I centered my life around this goal.
I painted a sign to put in my house as a constant reminder.
Every time a child tested my patience and I felt the urge to get upset at them, I sang at the top of my lungs my favorite rendition of "Ivdu et Hashem b'simcha."
This intense focus lasted a short time.
The other day, out of the blue, the song popped into my head.
I began to sing - "Ivdu et Hashem b'simcha, bo'u l'fanav bir'nana...." (Serve G-d with happiness, come before Him with joy)
My astute 3yo with a musical memory to boot cut me off immediately.
"Mommy! We're not doing anything wrong! Don't sing that!"
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Giving myself rules
I am a big rule parent.
Some people who have different styles might mock my affinity for rules, but I find them to help both the children and me a LOT. Rather than coming up with reason and justification each time I ask the children to listen, I instead announce, "It is a rule." This seems to hold a lot more weight than "Mommy said so." In my children's mind, rules come with a lot more authority than my instruction.
When we sit down to eat at the table, we have table rules. I usually call them "Table Manners," but the authority is still there. When we go on walks, it is a rule that everyone holds hands when we cross the street. Whether the rules enforce safety or respect, they teach my kids the ways of the world. I also believe that kids thrive with rules. They like to know what is expected of them and on some level it brings a sense of happiness. <My 4yo really does love the rules on some level, even though she has taken to telling me at every turn, "When I am a Mommy, I am going to let my kids eat candy all day and do whatever they want," etc....>
Sometimes, I wish I had a mommy on top of me all day telling me rules: What I should and should not do. If I am getting cranky because I didn't drink enough water throughout the day, I would love for a mommy to hover over me until I drink all of the water in the cup she prepared. Every time my phone rings, I go through a big debate in my mind - Do I answer it or not? Why can't someone else make rules for me as to when it is appropriate and proper to answer my phone throughout the day when I am home with the kids?
When someone is in the middle of a meltdown and a million things are happening at once, I usually ignore the ringing phone.
When everyone is playing nicely and I actually have quiet moments to cook or organize, answering a phone call seems manageable. Somehow, the minute I say "Hello," it is a cue to my children to ask me questions, complain about something, or take my attention away from the phone call in some other way. Besides that fact that I feel bad for the person on the other end of the phone who probably wanted a few undistracted moments with me, answering the phone seemed to ruin that perfect moment - of happily playing children and a few minutes to get something done. I probably would have been better off answering the phone when everything was already in shambles. What's one more, when you are already dealing with 20 stressors?
I could possibly try to strictly enforce a rule about silence in the house while I'm on the phone. I have decided against this for several reasons. Most importantly, I need to pick my battles, and this is not a battle that I deem worthy of a fight. So instead, I have decided to give myself a rule. I have been trying to enforce it for myself over the past week to no avail, but hopefully through writing the blog I will realize how important this is and listen to the authority within myself.
The rule: I will not have a long conversation (more than 2 minutes) on the phone between 8AM and 7PM unless I am temporarily availed of my parenting duties.
The hardest part about this rule is our location on the west coast. If I want to speak with anyone, I will either need to wake up early and find a quiet place to speak, or use precious babysitter or alone time, that I strategically plan throughout my week, to speak on the phone rather than recharge my internal batteries.
Inevitably, each time I break my rule and answer that phone, at least one child and I take a good half hour to recover from the disturbance in equilibrium in the home. Inevitably by that point, the phone rings again. I think that for a few days I am going to keep my phone on silent and just check it every hour or two for important messages. I will see how it goes and see if this cellular silence truly does bring a more content and connected atmosphere to our days.
Some people who have different styles might mock my affinity for rules, but I find them to help both the children and me a LOT. Rather than coming up with reason and justification each time I ask the children to listen, I instead announce, "It is a rule." This seems to hold a lot more weight than "Mommy said so." In my children's mind, rules come with a lot more authority than my instruction.
When we sit down to eat at the table, we have table rules. I usually call them "Table Manners," but the authority is still there. When we go on walks, it is a rule that everyone holds hands when we cross the street. Whether the rules enforce safety or respect, they teach my kids the ways of the world. I also believe that kids thrive with rules. They like to know what is expected of them and on some level it brings a sense of happiness. <My 4yo really does love the rules on some level, even though she has taken to telling me at every turn, "When I am a Mommy, I am going to let my kids eat candy all day and do whatever they want," etc....>
Sometimes, I wish I had a mommy on top of me all day telling me rules: What I should and should not do. If I am getting cranky because I didn't drink enough water throughout the day, I would love for a mommy to hover over me until I drink all of the water in the cup she prepared. Every time my phone rings, I go through a big debate in my mind - Do I answer it or not? Why can't someone else make rules for me as to when it is appropriate and proper to answer my phone throughout the day when I am home with the kids?
When someone is in the middle of a meltdown and a million things are happening at once, I usually ignore the ringing phone.
When everyone is playing nicely and I actually have quiet moments to cook or organize, answering a phone call seems manageable. Somehow, the minute I say "Hello," it is a cue to my children to ask me questions, complain about something, or take my attention away from the phone call in some other way. Besides that fact that I feel bad for the person on the other end of the phone who probably wanted a few undistracted moments with me, answering the phone seemed to ruin that perfect moment - of happily playing children and a few minutes to get something done. I probably would have been better off answering the phone when everything was already in shambles. What's one more, when you are already dealing with 20 stressors?
I could possibly try to strictly enforce a rule about silence in the house while I'm on the phone. I have decided against this for several reasons. Most importantly, I need to pick my battles, and this is not a battle that I deem worthy of a fight. So instead, I have decided to give myself a rule. I have been trying to enforce it for myself over the past week to no avail, but hopefully through writing the blog I will realize how important this is and listen to the authority within myself.
The rule: I will not have a long conversation (more than 2 minutes) on the phone between 8AM and 7PM unless I am temporarily availed of my parenting duties.
The hardest part about this rule is our location on the west coast. If I want to speak with anyone, I will either need to wake up early and find a quiet place to speak, or use precious babysitter or alone time, that I strategically plan throughout my week, to speak on the phone rather than recharge my internal batteries.
Inevitably, each time I break my rule and answer that phone, at least one child and I take a good half hour to recover from the disturbance in equilibrium in the home. Inevitably by that point, the phone rings again. I think that for a few days I am going to keep my phone on silent and just check it every hour or two for important messages. I will see how it goes and see if this cellular silence truly does bring a more content and connected atmosphere to our days.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
The Facebook
Back in my college years, Facebook and I had something special going on. It was the "new thing" and provided so many amazing social opportunities on the college scene. I also loved using Facebook as a medium to share pictures with all of my friends.
Then I graduated college, got married, had a child, and without realizing it, my relationship with Facebook had gone from casual to very serious. The minute something happened with my new baby, I instinctively ran to the computer to tell people (this was still before I had email on my phone). I posted a new album of her milestones and checked Facebook every hour to check who had commented because knowing people were thinking of me and seeing these pictures gave me the slightest fleeting moment of joy. Those moments passed quickly though, and left a noticeable lack in their absence. It left me craving the next "high" of seeing comments or posts.
I don't remember the exact day or moment, but all of a sudden I realized that this relationship I had with Facebook had infringed upon the relationships that actually mattered in my life. I cared more about snapping a picture to share my baby's crawl with the world than I did about keeping my arms out for her to crawl into me.
So we broke up.
I considered deactivating my account, but decided that I could use self control to change my habits without needing to take such a drastic measure.
In time, as I became more distant from the pull of the addiction, I began to notice other negative psychological components to living life through the Facebook lens.
1) When moments are always interrupted by a desire to put them online, it is not possible to enjoy the moment to the same extent as if you are immersed in it fully (see Be in the Moment).
2) Facebook displays polar emotions. Rarely does someone report that they feel completely normal and are having a completely routine day. Instead, they report the negative or positive aspects of their lives. These both result in an increase of negative emotion. Let me explain.
Negative moments: Person A feels enraged at X, Y and Z and feels that through telling a lot of people online it might somehow solve an aspect of the problem. Unfortunately, the very act of reliving the anger through typing and sharing it will indeed increase the original emotion. Further, it might cause some degree of anger by the people reading the post, who feel for Person A's plight.
Postive moments: This one is very tricky. You would think that if Person B has a wonderful spouse and children and amazing friends and a picture perfect life that they document entirely on their Facebook page, it might bring their friends and family joy in seeing their happiness. Unfortunately, the human psyche is a bit more complicated. The average person will look at Person B's page and feel a twinge of negativity toward them. This negativity might come from jealousy (in the worst case) or simply sadness at their own life not feeling as fulfilled. This observer might temporarily forget that Person B's Facebook page is only a snapshot of the positive moments in their life. They probably have an occasional argument with their spouse or a screaming kid meltdown in a grocery store, but have decided to selectively not share those not so picture perfect moments.
Let me recage here. I did not go on this rant to make anybody feel bad about their own Facebook use. I am sharing my own personal journey and thoughts, but I trust every individual to evaluate their own involvement and intention in posting based on their values and goals.
This whole concept resurfaced for me because I have recently decided that I can use Facebook again. I feel far enough removed from the nagging desire to make my Facebook all about my kids, that I can reclaim it as a personal resource for myself. I did put a picture with my kids as my wall, because they are such a strong part of my identity, but my posts and pictures will not be about them.
As my first status update in years, I let people know about this blog. Within 5 hours, nearly 400 people accessed my blog. In my Facebook hiatus I forgot how far and fast social media spreads word and connects individuals. When used properly and for the right reasons, it can bring positive and good.
Like today - my grocery order got delivered (I do this in general when my husband is away as opposed to grocery shopping with the whole clan) with everything except onions. I posted a status asking if anyone had onions to spare or could pick some up while at the store. Less than 15 minutes later, I had onions at my door. So Facebook, thank you for my onions. :-)
Then I graduated college, got married, had a child, and without realizing it, my relationship with Facebook had gone from casual to very serious. The minute something happened with my new baby, I instinctively ran to the computer to tell people (this was still before I had email on my phone). I posted a new album of her milestones and checked Facebook every hour to check who had commented because knowing people were thinking of me and seeing these pictures gave me the slightest fleeting moment of joy. Those moments passed quickly though, and left a noticeable lack in their absence. It left me craving the next "high" of seeing comments or posts.
I don't remember the exact day or moment, but all of a sudden I realized that this relationship I had with Facebook had infringed upon the relationships that actually mattered in my life. I cared more about snapping a picture to share my baby's crawl with the world than I did about keeping my arms out for her to crawl into me.
So we broke up.
I considered deactivating my account, but decided that I could use self control to change my habits without needing to take such a drastic measure.
In time, as I became more distant from the pull of the addiction, I began to notice other negative psychological components to living life through the Facebook lens.
1) When moments are always interrupted by a desire to put them online, it is not possible to enjoy the moment to the same extent as if you are immersed in it fully (see Be in the Moment).
2) Facebook displays polar emotions. Rarely does someone report that they feel completely normal and are having a completely routine day. Instead, they report the negative or positive aspects of their lives. These both result in an increase of negative emotion. Let me explain.
Negative moments: Person A feels enraged at X, Y and Z and feels that through telling a lot of people online it might somehow solve an aspect of the problem. Unfortunately, the very act of reliving the anger through typing and sharing it will indeed increase the original emotion. Further, it might cause some degree of anger by the people reading the post, who feel for Person A's plight.
Postive moments: This one is very tricky. You would think that if Person B has a wonderful spouse and children and amazing friends and a picture perfect life that they document entirely on their Facebook page, it might bring their friends and family joy in seeing their happiness. Unfortunately, the human psyche is a bit more complicated. The average person will look at Person B's page and feel a twinge of negativity toward them. This negativity might come from jealousy (in the worst case) or simply sadness at their own life not feeling as fulfilled. This observer might temporarily forget that Person B's Facebook page is only a snapshot of the positive moments in their life. They probably have an occasional argument with their spouse or a screaming kid meltdown in a grocery store, but have decided to selectively not share those not so picture perfect moments.
Let me recage here. I did not go on this rant to make anybody feel bad about their own Facebook use. I am sharing my own personal journey and thoughts, but I trust every individual to evaluate their own involvement and intention in posting based on their values and goals.
This whole concept resurfaced for me because I have recently decided that I can use Facebook again. I feel far enough removed from the nagging desire to make my Facebook all about my kids, that I can reclaim it as a personal resource for myself. I did put a picture with my kids as my wall, because they are such a strong part of my identity, but my posts and pictures will not be about them.
As my first status update in years, I let people know about this blog. Within 5 hours, nearly 400 people accessed my blog. In my Facebook hiatus I forgot how far and fast social media spreads word and connects individuals. When used properly and for the right reasons, it can bring positive and good.
Like today - my grocery order got delivered (I do this in general when my husband is away as opposed to grocery shopping with the whole clan) with everything except onions. I posted a status asking if anyone had onions to spare or could pick some up while at the store. Less than 15 minutes later, I had onions at my door. So Facebook, thank you for my onions. :-)
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
And the conclusion is...
Nothing - absolutely nothing - can substitute for a good night's sleep.
I wrote the last post coming off of a four hour night (compounded with a few bad nights before). I struggled all day to be half of a good person. By evening, I was beating myself up that I should be able to will myself to function no matter how tired I might be.
That night, I fell asleep at 8 PM. I woke up the following morning at 6 AM as happy and cheerful as can be. On Sunday, I devoted 98% of my energy to stabilizing my mood. After a good night's sleep, I only needed to allot maybe 2% to mood stabilization and I had the rest to contribute to my day and my kids.
So maybe instead of trying to teach my daughter that she can overcome fatigue and plow through with a smile on, I should teach her how to prioritize her sleep so she can try to avoid getting overtired in the first place! (Easier said than done, huh?)
I wrote the last post coming off of a four hour night (compounded with a few bad nights before). I struggled all day to be half of a good person. By evening, I was beating myself up that I should be able to will myself to function no matter how tired I might be.
That night, I fell asleep at 8 PM. I woke up the following morning at 6 AM as happy and cheerful as can be. On Sunday, I devoted 98% of my energy to stabilizing my mood. After a good night's sleep, I only needed to allot maybe 2% to mood stabilization and I had the rest to contribute to my day and my kids.
So maybe instead of trying to teach my daughter that she can overcome fatigue and plow through with a smile on, I should teach her how to prioritize her sleep so she can try to avoid getting overtired in the first place! (Easier said than done, huh?)
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Linking happiness and sleep
I have been thinking about the connection between adequate sleep and ones ability to have patience and simcha in life.
Truth be told, I could probably write an entire blog on this topic alone. I am going to attempt, however, to consolidate all of my thoughts into one or two blog posts.
In order to keep a semblance of coherence, I begin with self-analysis chronologically progressing from my childhood to my mommyhood.
As a young child, my parents realized very quickly that I needed more sleep than the average kid my age. From their viewpoint, when I started losing my ability to function appropriately, this automatically signaled the need for a nap. I would begin screaming, yelling, or crying at something ridiculous, and my parents responded by handing me a blanky, putting me in bed, and proclaiming, "Take a nap. You can not handle yourself appropriately until you get some sleep."
In all fairness, they were completely right. After a good nap, I proceeded to act like my happy go lucky self. As I grew older, however, I still needed sleep whenever I reached this point of no return. I never allowed myself to learn coping strategies to compartmentalize my fatigue and continue chugging along.
In college, I was one of the only young women I knew who fell asleep by 10 PM every night. I literally can count on two hands the number of nights I saw AM on the clock before falling asleep. And for a few days after each of those rare times, I can guarantee that I did not function optimally and I probably had moments of impatience and speaking rudely.
In retrospect, it is hard to know whether this could have developed in another way. Am I as a person truly unable to hold off fatigue for a few days and still behave like a nice, amicable person (even in an emotionally stressful situation)? Or is there some level of conditioning that played a hand in my struggle? When I acted out as a young child, I was taught that sleep would make me a better person. If I had been told instead, "I know you are tired, but you still need to control your emotions and treat people with respect," while given tools and strategies to behave properly, would that have made any difference???
This whole idea has resurfaced recently for a number of reasons:
1) As a parent, I am often beyond sleep deprived. On the one night my baby miraculously sleeps 12 hours, the 3 year-old wakes up screaming at midnight, covered in vomit. The reality of motherhood is sleep deprivation. I have been trying to figure out how to balance the fatigue with maintaining patient parenting, having energy to be a good wife, and trying at times to squeeze in some me time (a run, some yoga, or writing). My husband drinks a lot of coffee. Whenever I get less than 7 hours of sleep, he recommends a good dose of caffeine. I do indulge at times, but I am very philosophically against getting myself addicted to needing it in order to wake up in the morning. So this solution doesn't quite work for me.
Counterintuitively, I am also currently playing around with waking up an hour earlier. As long as I can get in bed at a decent hour and not get woken up too much at night, I think that getting out of bed at 6 AM and giving myself an hour to slowly start my day might prove to allow a joyful day much more than being woken up abruptly by a child's scream at 7 AM.
2) During chagim (holidays), I struggle. Dinners regularly go until midnight or later in our family, overtired children (from being with extended family) wake me much earlier than normal, and the nature of the holiday schedule does not lend itself to a nap. Add to this the emotional strain of family dynamics (regardless of how functional a family is, every family has dynamics!) and I always say things I regret or behave in a less than ideal manner. I always blame it on the fatigue. But as I finish off the third decade of my life, I don't think this is a valid excuse anymore. I should be able to control myself.
3) MY KIDS -
One of my kids in particular got my sleeping genes - needing a lot of it and having trouble functioning well without.
If there is any way possible to keep her from ending up in the same situation as me at 27 years old, I would love to help her out now. I have found myself using the same line my parents did - "This is unacceptable behavior. Go lay down in your bed, take a nap, and speak to me when you feel better." Yet each time I say this, I wonder whether I am actually doing her a disservice in the long run. Should I instead try to teach her at the tender age of 4 that even when she is tired, it is still possible to control herself? Is this physically possible for a child to learn??
In some ways things are easier to impart on an impressionable child. At the same time, I believe that an adult has more maturity and capability to actually implement the strategies.
Truth be told, I could probably write an entire blog on this topic alone. I am going to attempt, however, to consolidate all of my thoughts into one or two blog posts.
In order to keep a semblance of coherence, I begin with self-analysis chronologically progressing from my childhood to my mommyhood.
As a young child, my parents realized very quickly that I needed more sleep than the average kid my age. From their viewpoint, when I started losing my ability to function appropriately, this automatically signaled the need for a nap. I would begin screaming, yelling, or crying at something ridiculous, and my parents responded by handing me a blanky, putting me in bed, and proclaiming, "Take a nap. You can not handle yourself appropriately until you get some sleep."
In all fairness, they were completely right. After a good nap, I proceeded to act like my happy go lucky self. As I grew older, however, I still needed sleep whenever I reached this point of no return. I never allowed myself to learn coping strategies to compartmentalize my fatigue and continue chugging along.
In college, I was one of the only young women I knew who fell asleep by 10 PM every night. I literally can count on two hands the number of nights I saw AM on the clock before falling asleep. And for a few days after each of those rare times, I can guarantee that I did not function optimally and I probably had moments of impatience and speaking rudely.
In retrospect, it is hard to know whether this could have developed in another way. Am I as a person truly unable to hold off fatigue for a few days and still behave like a nice, amicable person (even in an emotionally stressful situation)? Or is there some level of conditioning that played a hand in my struggle? When I acted out as a young child, I was taught that sleep would make me a better person. If I had been told instead, "I know you are tired, but you still need to control your emotions and treat people with respect," while given tools and strategies to behave properly, would that have made any difference???
This whole idea has resurfaced recently for a number of reasons:
1) As a parent, I am often beyond sleep deprived. On the one night my baby miraculously sleeps 12 hours, the 3 year-old wakes up screaming at midnight, covered in vomit. The reality of motherhood is sleep deprivation. I have been trying to figure out how to balance the fatigue with maintaining patient parenting, having energy to be a good wife, and trying at times to squeeze in some me time (a run, some yoga, or writing). My husband drinks a lot of coffee. Whenever I get less than 7 hours of sleep, he recommends a good dose of caffeine. I do indulge at times, but I am very philosophically against getting myself addicted to needing it in order to wake up in the morning. So this solution doesn't quite work for me.
Counterintuitively, I am also currently playing around with waking up an hour earlier. As long as I can get in bed at a decent hour and not get woken up too much at night, I think that getting out of bed at 6 AM and giving myself an hour to slowly start my day might prove to allow a joyful day much more than being woken up abruptly by a child's scream at 7 AM.
2) During chagim (holidays), I struggle. Dinners regularly go until midnight or later in our family, overtired children (from being with extended family) wake me much earlier than normal, and the nature of the holiday schedule does not lend itself to a nap. Add to this the emotional strain of family dynamics (regardless of how functional a family is, every family has dynamics!) and I always say things I regret or behave in a less than ideal manner. I always blame it on the fatigue. But as I finish off the third decade of my life, I don't think this is a valid excuse anymore. I should be able to control myself.
3) MY KIDS -
One of my kids in particular got my sleeping genes - needing a lot of it and having trouble functioning well without.
If there is any way possible to keep her from ending up in the same situation as me at 27 years old, I would love to help her out now. I have found myself using the same line my parents did - "This is unacceptable behavior. Go lay down in your bed, take a nap, and speak to me when you feel better." Yet each time I say this, I wonder whether I am actually doing her a disservice in the long run. Should I instead try to teach her at the tender age of 4 that even when she is tired, it is still possible to control herself? Is this physically possible for a child to learn??
In some ways things are easier to impart on an impressionable child. At the same time, I believe that an adult has more maturity and capability to actually implement the strategies.
Friday, June 13, 2014
My most recent naturopathic find
My husband has started telling me that if we ever move back to a place like Oklahoma, or anywhere else in the south for that matter, I will be seen as a very "returning to the roots, naturalist" northerner. I think that my recent tendencies come from an array of factors. First, I believe there is something about the Seattle air. It just makes one want to compost, use natural ingredients, and become more healthy. I would also like to believe that as my children become real kids, I get in better touch with myself through maturity, and I further develop my philosophic approach to life, some elements of this lifestyle are a natural progression in maturity.
During my last pregnancy, a little over a year ago, a good friend and amazing person from our military family, was pregnant as well. She told me about relief she found from using a magnesium supplement. It helped her sleep better and also served as a good cure for "restless leg syndrome." Since there was no harm in trying, I gave it a go. The key to her suggestion, however, was the source of magnesium. Rather than an oral supplement, she recommended the mineral spray. By spraying it on the legs directly before bedtime, it gets absorbed into the bloodstream and really contributes to a good night's sleep.
I enjoyed this routine throughout the last few months of my pregnancy and whether I experienced a placebo effect or not, I felt like it worked well. When I gave birth, I figured I would no longer need this supplement, so I stopped the sprays.
Fast Forward One Year:
Within the first year postpartum, I always experience some degree of postpartum blues. In the past, I have always treated this with a minimal regimen of Zoloft. I tried that this time for a few months, but even on half of the lowest dose, I did not like being on the medication. It numbed me to sadness, but it also numbed me to being extremely happy, expressing my silly side, and most detrimental, it numbed my creative outlet.
I swiftly weaned off of this medication and did a little research for a natural mood aid. The most popular (St John's Wort) is not allowed while breastfeeding, so I looked further. After some fun evenings on Google, I noticed some trends.
1) Magnesium deficiency is a big issue in modern society
2) Magnesium has been used as a "chill pill" for centuries (although I doubt it was called a chill pill).
What could it hurt? I sprayed my legs before bed.
Within a few days, I felt better than I have since before my pregnancy... and possibly even in many years. Not only do I notice an increase in my energy levels, but it has helped tremendously in my ability to "let things go" when I previously might have dwelled and gotten upset. This has been such a blessing to discover, especially during this time in my life when I am trying to mentally and emotionally focus on living b'simcha - with a constant perspective of happiness.
I felt compelled to write about this in order to pass this gem of information along to anyone else who might be able to benefit.
Some information about Magnesium benefits:
(For the psychologically minded): http://evolutionarypsychiatry.blogspot.com/2010/10/magnesium-and-brain.html
(For layfolk): http://www.magnesiumoil.com/magnesium-health/anxiety-stress
The oil I use:
http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Minerals-Ultra-Pure-Magnesium/dp/B001AD0HL8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1402671199&sr=8-2&keywords=magnesium+spray
During my last pregnancy, a little over a year ago, a good friend and amazing person from our military family, was pregnant as well. She told me about relief she found from using a magnesium supplement. It helped her sleep better and also served as a good cure for "restless leg syndrome." Since there was no harm in trying, I gave it a go. The key to her suggestion, however, was the source of magnesium. Rather than an oral supplement, she recommended the mineral spray. By spraying it on the legs directly before bedtime, it gets absorbed into the bloodstream and really contributes to a good night's sleep.
I enjoyed this routine throughout the last few months of my pregnancy and whether I experienced a placebo effect or not, I felt like it worked well. When I gave birth, I figured I would no longer need this supplement, so I stopped the sprays.
Fast Forward One Year:
Within the first year postpartum, I always experience some degree of postpartum blues. In the past, I have always treated this with a minimal regimen of Zoloft. I tried that this time for a few months, but even on half of the lowest dose, I did not like being on the medication. It numbed me to sadness, but it also numbed me to being extremely happy, expressing my silly side, and most detrimental, it numbed my creative outlet.
I swiftly weaned off of this medication and did a little research for a natural mood aid. The most popular (St John's Wort) is not allowed while breastfeeding, so I looked further. After some fun evenings on Google, I noticed some trends.
1) Magnesium deficiency is a big issue in modern society
2) Magnesium has been used as a "chill pill" for centuries (although I doubt it was called a chill pill).
What could it hurt? I sprayed my legs before bed.
Within a few days, I felt better than I have since before my pregnancy... and possibly even in many years. Not only do I notice an increase in my energy levels, but it has helped tremendously in my ability to "let things go" when I previously might have dwelled and gotten upset. This has been such a blessing to discover, especially during this time in my life when I am trying to mentally and emotionally focus on living b'simcha - with a constant perspective of happiness.
I felt compelled to write about this in order to pass this gem of information along to anyone else who might be able to benefit.
Some information about Magnesium benefits:
(For the psychologically minded): http://evolutionarypsychiatry.blogspot.com/2010/10/magnesium-and-brain.html
(For layfolk): http://www.magnesiumoil.com/magnesium-health/anxiety-stress
The oil I use:
http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Minerals-Ultra-Pure-Magnesium/dp/B001AD0HL8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1402671199&sr=8-2&keywords=magnesium+spray
Friday, June 6, 2014
Be in the moment
Recently I have rediscovered the physical and emotional grounding I feel from regularly attending a yoga class. In addition to an oasis of calm in a hectic life, this 75 minute class gives me a physical rejuvenation. I walk out of class with new blood and energy rushing through all of the aches and pains which ailed me.
I also really enjoy the personal touch some of the teachers bring to their classes in our local yoga studio. One teacher in particular incorporates an inspirational message into each class, revisiting the topic in different ways throughout the practice.
Last week, she opened the class through discussing a meaningful TED talk. If you have never seen a TED talk, I highly recommend them - but only if you have a lot of time! They are very amazing and often very brilliant and very addictive!
This particular talk emphasizes the importance of living in the moment. Whether undergoing a positive or negative experience, individuals feel a greater sense of joy when they focus on the present moment. Rather than focus on what you did yesterday or a last year this time, you wholly and completely engage in your current activity. Rather than think about your to do list or planning a vacation for next week, you dwell your entire conscience into the moment.
She even discussed in class the example from the TED talk that someone focusing on the present while getting a painful dental procedure can experience a greater level of joy than an individual watching a movie with a friend while thinking about the future or past.
How fascinating. So all I have to do is live in the moment in every moment. Then my levels of happiness will exceed anything I've ever known.
This is a LOT harder than it sounds.
For anyone who has tried any form of daily prayer, you might have experienced the difficulty at maintaining what we call "kavanah", loosely translated as intention or concentration. If I can not stay focused on my words and my intention for ten minutes when I am devoting my entire brain to that purpose, then how could I do so when going about every day tasks?
I have decided to start this process with a few small steps.
When I sit at the table for a meal with the kids, I am WITH them. I am not planning my calendar for the week. I am not reading articles or emails on my phone. I am not chatting with parents or friends. I am eating with them. I am listening to them. When they make a request of me, I look in their eyes and respond.
When we finish the meal, I inevitably often revert to my multi-tasking craze. I jump from discussing last week to planning next month and back again in a matter of seconds.
But for now, during those short meals, at least twice a day (for breakfast and dinner... lunch is a little harder for me to manage right now), I am living in the moment and present in connecting with the kids and myself.
TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_killingsworth_want_to_be_happier_stay_in_the_moment#t-78610
I also really enjoy the personal touch some of the teachers bring to their classes in our local yoga studio. One teacher in particular incorporates an inspirational message into each class, revisiting the topic in different ways throughout the practice.
Last week, she opened the class through discussing a meaningful TED talk. If you have never seen a TED talk, I highly recommend them - but only if you have a lot of time! They are very amazing and often very brilliant and very addictive!
This particular talk emphasizes the importance of living in the moment. Whether undergoing a positive or negative experience, individuals feel a greater sense of joy when they focus on the present moment. Rather than focus on what you did yesterday or a last year this time, you wholly and completely engage in your current activity. Rather than think about your to do list or planning a vacation for next week, you dwell your entire conscience into the moment.
She even discussed in class the example from the TED talk that someone focusing on the present while getting a painful dental procedure can experience a greater level of joy than an individual watching a movie with a friend while thinking about the future or past.
How fascinating. So all I have to do is live in the moment in every moment. Then my levels of happiness will exceed anything I've ever known.
This is a LOT harder than it sounds.
For anyone who has tried any form of daily prayer, you might have experienced the difficulty at maintaining what we call "kavanah", loosely translated as intention or concentration. If I can not stay focused on my words and my intention for ten minutes when I am devoting my entire brain to that purpose, then how could I do so when going about every day tasks?
I have decided to start this process with a few small steps.
When I sit at the table for a meal with the kids, I am WITH them. I am not planning my calendar for the week. I am not reading articles or emails on my phone. I am not chatting with parents or friends. I am eating with them. I am listening to them. When they make a request of me, I look in their eyes and respond.
When we finish the meal, I inevitably often revert to my multi-tasking craze. I jump from discussing last week to planning next month and back again in a matter of seconds.
But for now, during those short meals, at least twice a day (for breakfast and dinner... lunch is a little harder for me to manage right now), I am living in the moment and present in connecting with the kids and myself.
TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_killingsworth_want_to_be_happier_stay_in_the_moment#t-78610
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Ivdu et Hashem b'SIMCHA עבדו את ה בשמחה
I titled this blog "Ivdu et Hashem b'simcha."
A literal translation of this phrase - "Serve G-d with happiness."
This comes from Tehillim (Psalms) 100:2, the entire line reading -
עבדו את ה בשמחה בואו לפניו ברננה - Ivdu et Hashem b'simcha, bo'u l'fanav bir'nana - Serve G-d with happiness, Come before Him in joy.
What does this mean to "serve G-d" - "Ivdu et Hashem"?
As an observant Jew, serving G-d means to follow and perform the mitzvot (commandments) outlined in the Torah and Jewish Law. To be specific, there are 613 commandments ranging from the treatment of others to the laws of Shabbat (the Sabbath) and Holiday observance to caring for the deceased, etc. So this phrase imbues us to perform all of these commandments in a state of happiness. As you fill your mouth with that third piece of matzah on seder night, do so with all the happiness you can muster. When it's 40 degrees or 90 degrees on Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles), feel joy that you have the opportunity to fulfill the commandment to eat your meals in the sukkah outside of the confines and comforts of a sturdy home. You have privilege of loving and appreciating what this sacrifice does for your soul.
Those examples clearly illustrate ways to serve G-d by directly observing a written commandment. Let us explore the more subtle ways that we can all serve G-d. Whether or not you observe Jewish Law or even consider yourself Jewish, by engaging in constructive behavior and acting in a mature, loving way to others, you serve what you believe to be the Higher Power in this world.
If you have the privilege to parent children, every single act of caring for your children fulfills what G-d wants from you, and therefore this mantle of parenthood comprises a conduit to serve Him. If you engage in philanthropy or perform chesed (acts of kindness) in your community, each moment of thought you devote to those acts performs a mitzvah and therefore serves G-d. If we all keep in mind the paradigm of simcha (happiness) throughout each task and challenge, not only will we receive more merit for the mitzvot, but we will enjoy them more and live better lives.
I do not claim to have mastery over serving Hashem with happiness. I often find that I struggle in keeping a positive perspective in challenging situations. Through this blog, I hope to perpetually inspire myself as I discover new ways to penetrate my thick skin with happiness. I also invite others to contribute to this blog. If you have an idea or something to share that you think will positively contribute to others' lives, please contact me. Perhaps your ideas will serve to inspire all of us.
A literal translation of this phrase - "Serve G-d with happiness."
This comes from Tehillim (Psalms) 100:2, the entire line reading -
עבדו את ה בשמחה בואו לפניו ברננה - Ivdu et Hashem b'simcha, bo'u l'fanav bir'nana - Serve G-d with happiness, Come before Him in joy.
What does this mean to "serve G-d" - "Ivdu et Hashem"?
As an observant Jew, serving G-d means to follow and perform the mitzvot (commandments) outlined in the Torah and Jewish Law. To be specific, there are 613 commandments ranging from the treatment of others to the laws of Shabbat (the Sabbath) and Holiday observance to caring for the deceased, etc. So this phrase imbues us to perform all of these commandments in a state of happiness. As you fill your mouth with that third piece of matzah on seder night, do so with all the happiness you can muster. When it's 40 degrees or 90 degrees on Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles), feel joy that you have the opportunity to fulfill the commandment to eat your meals in the sukkah outside of the confines and comforts of a sturdy home. You have privilege of loving and appreciating what this sacrifice does for your soul.
Those examples clearly illustrate ways to serve G-d by directly observing a written commandment. Let us explore the more subtle ways that we can all serve G-d. Whether or not you observe Jewish Law or even consider yourself Jewish, by engaging in constructive behavior and acting in a mature, loving way to others, you serve what you believe to be the Higher Power in this world.
If you have the privilege to parent children, every single act of caring for your children fulfills what G-d wants from you, and therefore this mantle of parenthood comprises a conduit to serve Him. If you engage in philanthropy or perform chesed (acts of kindness) in your community, each moment of thought you devote to those acts performs a mitzvah and therefore serves G-d. If we all keep in mind the paradigm of simcha (happiness) throughout each task and challenge, not only will we receive more merit for the mitzvot, but we will enjoy them more and live better lives.
I do not claim to have mastery over serving Hashem with happiness. I often find that I struggle in keeping a positive perspective in challenging situations. Through this blog, I hope to perpetually inspire myself as I discover new ways to penetrate my thick skin with happiness. I also invite others to contribute to this blog. If you have an idea or something to share that you think will positively contribute to others' lives, please contact me. Perhaps your ideas will serve to inspire all of us.
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