Living in the world of trauma and mental illness, I have a special place in my heart for Tisha B’Av and the three weeks. I feel that this time of year is a time that Hashem feels my deep pain, the pain that I hold in my heart a whole year. And I try to Read More …
I’m an anxious person. Actually, let me rephrase that. I’m a very anxious person. I worry about anything and everything. My job, my health, dating, and pretty much each and every slightly intimidating social interaction. I just naturally assume the worst and trick myself into thinking that’s a sure-fire reality. Journaling my Worries A couple Read More …
The following poem was selected as one of the winners of this year’s Refuat Hanefesh Creative Expression Contest. Age group: College and Up. Message from the Author: While the inspiration for this piece was someone who deals with obsessive thoughts and compulsions, the message is universal. We all want to get better, and we all want Read More …
It is common knowledge that physical exertion and exercise have dramatic impacts on our physical health. All nutritional programs will tell you that the combination of nutrition and exercise is the key to staying physically healthy. There is an abundance of evidence confirming that physical activity can improve chronic conditions and prevent many serious medical Read More …
I just recently turned 22. A birthday is always a good time to stop and reflect on the previous year and make goals for the coming year. And currently being in quarantine, I can’t help but remember where I was a year ago on my 21st birthday. The period around my 21st birthday was the Read More …
Recently, I sent my friend a WhatsApp message and saw that she was online. I waited for her reply, albeit white-knuckled (yes, figuratively). However, she did respond shortly afterward, and I felt ashamed and embarrassed for feeling as though I did something wrong to not be worthy of an immediate response. In situations like this, Read More …
The last few weeks have been bizarre and worrisome for all of us. As COVID-19 cases increase, shuls have been closed in many communities, most social events have been canceled, and we are being told to isolate in our homes for the time being. Suddenly, we’re waking up to days spent alone without the ability Read More …
When I first started watching This Is Us, I immediately fell in love with the relatable and compelling storyline: the childhood, the adolescence, and the adulthood of a very special family that almost seems too perfect. That is until you realize that, from the very first moment, the family is far from “perfect,” making the Read More …
Every morning when I get dressed (especially in the summer), I have a battle in my head, pondering this dilemma: “People will judge me and look at me differently.” “One of the reasons I self-harmed was to have scars.” “I don’t want to be embarrassed by my scars.” “What if I get uncomfortable stares and Read More …