I’ve always heard it said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Maybe there is truth to this statement. I've experienced some changes in the last week that have altered the course of my life in many respects. It's come from soul searching and alot of pain but change is necessary. My dear readers, I know you've all been there: had to make changes that hurt like, well they hurt like hell! In this article I wanted to share my thoughts on how I believe Welcoming change helps us grow.

It might seem obvious to many that change helps us grow, but think about it - how many of us are really excited at the idea of change? When you have a difficult day do you find yourself looking over your shoulder toward the end of the day and pray that things will be normal for just awhile? I sure do! Couple that with a person that has an inclination toward running from emotions or tough decisions that need to be made and you have an emotional stew that can be entirely too much to bear. A funny thought came to me while working today: things can hurt but we get through them! How many times have you told yourselves that life hurts too much and you don't know how you'll endure? But yet each day finds you one step removed from the initial point of hurt and it does get easier.

This upward and realistic thinking fits in with my practice as a Jewish woman. Jews are a funny people; on one hand we have a strain of fatalism flowing through our communal dialogue, liturgy and veins but we're also optimistic - always striving to be more, do more and become stronger. Judaism calls me to keep my heart turned toward the past, but in good ways; remembering the strength of Jewish matriarchs and patriarchs, the sages, victims of anti-semitism and everyday people. I'm an everyday person. I work a job that wears me out but I love it while I wait to start on my bachelors degree. Because you see, life is always in transition, we all are so why not look toward each new day with the expectation that everything will be ok, that you can endure the trials and hurts handed to you? You can also celebrate the life you're given, Jewish or Gentile, woman or man - no matter who you are, celebrate your life, embrace change and be positive! Just a few thoughts from my heart to yours this day.