Hello friends,
August was a month – went by pretty quick if you ask me but it happened!
Last August, I realized I needed to be super honest with myself and others, which honestly, is not fun. I’ve definitely faltered since then.
Living life on honest mode is like hard mode. It’s more difficult, but you don’t grow by staying on easy mode.
Candor is not natural for me at all. As a people-pleaser, I used to think that it was fine to tell white lies or hide things from people if it “benefited” them.
It didn’t feel good in the moment when people told me hard truths, so I decided I to spare others from the pain of harsh truths.
I know, so patronizing. Like I know what’s best for people?
I fully believed in not telling people things that would hurt them. But that deprives them of the growth that follows the pain.
I still don’t believe in using words to hurt others intentionally, but I believe in using words to convey the truth. I also realized that if you’re afraid to tell your business to people who care about you, your business might be harmful. If it would be concerning to loved ones, maybe you should be concerned.
Short example: today, my friend and I had plans to watch a show, so I brought some ice cream sandwiches. They had coffee ice cream in them. Turns out my friend doesn’t like coffee ice cream, but he wanted to try the sandwich. He took one lick of the ice cream sandwich, said “Hate it” and threw it in the trash.
Was I mad? Not at all! I laughed for like a full minute! It was so decisive, it was funny to me, and now I know I can trust him to tell me when he hates something.
As we enter September, we also enter the last month of the Jewish year: Elul. According to the original Rebbe, this is when Hashem (God) is closest to us. It’s supposed to feel like a warm hug from Hashem.
There is a parable: “During the year, if one wishes to see the King, he must pass through guards and gates, and only then can he enter the palace. But in Elul, the King Himself goes out into the field. There, every person can approach Him freely. The King greets each one warmly and with a smile.”
Very exciting. Happy Elul, and may September bring you warm hugs!
P.S. Part of my new ceramic line is done, and I’m very excited to share it with you. Some things are still going through the kiln; meanwhile, I’m figuring out how to package them. I am no expert on packaging, so any tips are welcome.
Question of the week: Is there an area of your life that feels dishonest?
Best,
Liliana