From Disappointment to Empowerment - Gimmel Tammuz

Today was the third day of the Hebrew month of Tammuz when we commemorate the passing of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. We spend the day recognizing the widespread influence that the Rebbe’s teachings had on the world. Whenever I visit the Ohel of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, I use the chance to spiritually check in and share my positive or potentially challenging updates. During my visits, I make resolutions and strive to achieve them. However, if I did not fulfill my previous resolutions and want to visit again, it causes disappointment or hesitation. I started to think, “How could I go if I made no progress or even regressed?”

I have recently been considering the differences between goals and expectations. However, I remember hearing that the feeling of failure from an unsuccessful plan is a ploy of the evil inclination. Instead of feeling disappointed, if I see my resolutions as a goal that I haven’t yet achieved, it becomes easier to stomach.

The next time you want to go to the Ohel and have a related thought to me. Join me and be proud of the good things you did. The Rebbe once said that we should add in acts of goodness and kindness, even if they are small. In the same way that the world can change through one good deed at a time, we can progress toward our goals by adding one extra action. By not worrying about missed opportunities, we can transform our lives and the world!

Good Shabbos

All the best

Avroham Y Ross