One day at a time

Change can seem overwhelming. It can seem daunting. And sometimes the trouble is we have a picture in our minds of all the different and varied ways we want to change. If we just sit in all of the chaos and confusion about order and process for change, most of us won’t even begin to take action. In this quote from Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski, reflecting on counting the 49 days between Passover and Shavuot, he reminds us that change begins with a first step and that change is a gradual, day by day process.

We recognize that as humans we have many imperfections, and that it is our responsiblity to improve upon our character traits.

When we realize how far we are from the ideal, we may exclaim, “What an order!” We may be so overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenge of improving ourselves that we may despair of accomplishing it, and simply do nothing.

As we count the Omer one day at a time, we are helped to realize that the task is not as overwhelming as we thought. We are not required to achieve perfection, and what we do, we can do in daily installments. Improvement of character can be in morsels, and need not be in bundles.

Although we can not achieve perfection by our own efforts, if we sincerely do that which we can, all that which we can, the perfection we strive for will be given to us as a gift from above.

Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski’s Living Each Day p. 215.

Too often, striving for perfection is really the most imperfect thing we can do. If we instead set attainable goals and short, simple steps to reach those goals, we might find ourselves in a place close to perfection, one in which we cherish our drive to grow and improve. I know that in my personal growth, I have struggled the most when I have tried to shortcut my way to this false sense of perfection. When I set myself manageable, good to great goals, I have found success, even in ways I never perceived.

May each of us foster real, attainable, goals of growth and find the first step to establishing a New Beginning to our journey.

Looking to shift to a new road on your journey. Let me help you along that process. Contact New Beginnings Spiritual Coaching and Consulting LLC at 732-314-6758 ext. 100 or via email at newbeginningsspiritualcoach@gmail.com