12 Lessons from 2022

I prepared for Rosh HaShanah by deciding on kavannot, or intentions, to guide my actions and thoughts over 5783. But as 2023 approaches, I decided to reflect on what I learned over the past twelve months filled with transitions, celebrations, and unexpected discoveries. As some of my teachers say, I’m talking to myself and letting you listen; I don’t have one unifying takeaway except for saying “wow, what a year.”

January: Even in a healthy and supportive relationship, there will be times when you shoulder your partner’s burden in addition to yours.

February: When mean and petty people show you who they really are, believe them and respond appropriately.

March: It’s difficult to watch the people you love doubt themselves, and even harder to give them the strength they need.

April: Things will not go as you planned, so you might as well develop a sense of humor about it.

May: Merging families might be stressful, but it’s worth it for the celebratory moments.

June: Every new beginning means something else ends, and it’s okay to feel sad about it.

July: Everyone said that the best part of being a newlywed is the excitement of waking up next to your spouse every day, but I think it’s the way the word “husband” tastes in your mouth.

August: Sometimes, your body will tell you when it’s time to take a break.

September: It’s okay to ask for help and rely on others when your garbage disposal backs up and your dog escapes the backyard through a newly discovered hole in the fence in the first twenty-four hours of Rosh Hashanah.

October: It’s okay to step back from professional commitments if they’re more draining than fulfilling.

November: It can take time for relationships to reach their full potential.

December: Self-kindness is crucial because developing new habits takes up a lot of energy.

Things I want to learn in 2023: Gardening and how to productively participate in Zoom school.