OMER DAY 5: Strengths

Yesterday, we cataloged our hopes and dreams... At least some of them. As we continue this week of accounting, we turn to some character analysis to help us figure out how we can move a little closer to those aspirations.

Each one of us has strong characteristics that can help us move towards our goals. (We each have weaknesses that get in our ways, too, but that's for tomorrow's omer counting). Talents, gifts, perspectives, luck, good people who surround us; no matter what form they take, it is important for us to take note of those opportunities within ourselves that can lead us towards more fulfillment and meaning.

The key, however, is to maintain humility while recognizing our strengths. This is not about making ourselves ego-maniacs and deluding ourselves into thinking we're perfect. That would be a recipe for inaction, for if there is nothing to change, why try?  Also, when we say, "I am good at x, which makes me better than Ploni" (that's ancient rabbinic for 'John Doe'), we turn a strength into a weakness by devaluing another, while also setting ourselves up to devalue ourselves in other comparisons. Let us avoid comparisons altogether, today, and just take note of the arsenal of told we do have at our disposal for helping make the world around us better.

And a Happy Easter to those friends who celebrate this holiday!


Omer Journal Question: List your strengths.

Omer Actions:

• Pick a strength and perform some kind of act of loving-kindness using that characteristic.
• Share with a loved one a strength you see and appreciate in them

Ha-yom chamishchamishah yamim la-omer

Today is day 5 of the Omer

My journaling:

• Wit
• Being able to put myself in other's shoes and see multiple perspectives
• Compassion and sympathy/empathy
• Knowledge of and comfort with the fact that I am not in control
• Loving family, friends, and community
• A spouse who is a friend, confidant, resource, and way-more-talented educator than I am (d'oh, I was supposed to avoid comparisons)
• Wide-range of educational experiences and interests
• Intellectual Curiosity
• A love of challenges
• Engineering-brain
• A job Career occupation lifestyle that suits me well and offers me a platform to share ideas and learn from others
• A love for humanity, as well as my fellow Jews
• Connections worldwide because I am part of a particular group of people (Chicago Cubs fans)