Do you ever experience unhappiness or feel you've fallen short of your goals? This past week, I found myself in that exact spot. But in those moments, I wondered if it was okay or normal to feel that way. Usually, when I don't reach my goals, it triggers a cascade of self-deprecating thoughts. Recently, while listening to a podcast discussing a letter from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, I realized, due to his response, that we only have so much energy. We can either spend it on feeling low, defeated, and dwelling on our failures, or we can channel that energy into changing our life's course.
When reading this week's parsha, which centers around Avrohom, I learned a valuable lesson. Throughout my life, I have seen Avrohom as an inspirational figure who embodied kindness. I always loved hearing how his doors were always open and a judgment-free zone. What resonated deeply with me was the positivity. Despite the challenges and the tests he overcame, he did not give up and still carried on with the same tenacity as before. This parsha served as a reminder that while it's normal to feel sad sometimes, the world needs our happiness.
Happiness is a driving force for us to do good and make a positive impact. As the Rebbe pointed out, if we spend all our energy on feeling sad, we hinder our ability to do the good things we aspire to do. While I can't dictate anyone's life, I believe living authentically can lead to transformative experiences. I suggest taking on something—perhaps a mitzvah you've never tried, understood, or wanted to attempt—and learning about it. You might be surprised how a negative, sad experience can transform into something beautiful and fulfilling. Let's use our moments of sadness as fuel to drive us towards positive actions and self-growth. We're in charge of our own lives, and we have the power to make a real difference in our world. Good Shabbos
All the best
Avroham Yehudah Ross