Hi,
Rosh Hashanah is coming.
As the new year approaches, we all strive to become a better person and leave our old habits behind. Someone recently shared a beautiful poem with me about breaking habits, one small step at a time.
Portia Nelson’s poem describes the stages we experience as we try to change an unhelpful pattern.
Change rarely happens all at once (thought you’re the only one? ).
In fact, I share the ABCs of change with my students all the time.
Ready?
Awareness
Before
Change.
So simple- and so hard.
Change through awareness, ownership, and one intentional step at a time.
→ What is your same street?
- Focus first on what went wrong instead of what went right.
- Keep using a strategy even though it is not producing results.
The goal is not to criticize yourself for falling into the hole.
The goal is to notice it.
Awareness allows you to stop and ask:
What is one thing I can do differently next time?
Change one thing in honor of Rosh Hashanah today.
Same for our children or students who may be walking down the same street again and again.
Support them to change one thing at a time.
- Together, raise awareness first and help them identify one pattern. Help them notice the hole first.
- Assist them to select a new plan of action, a different behavior, or a mindset shift.
- Support change. Each street has its potholes. And planning a new path is a process.
Our role is to help the child- or yourself!- recognize the pattern, choose a new step, and gradually learn to walk down another street.
Chavy, as the New Year approaches, I want to wish you a year of peace and growth. And at the same time, I want to thank my subscribers and colleagues.
May the coming year be filled with joy, health, and abundance. A Kesivah V’chasima Tova
Warmly,
Rachel Gluck