Starting the Jewish New Year with a New Mindset

Ever get a bit frustrated by life? Do you ever find yourself envious of friends or colleagues who seem to be able to handle life’s bumps just a little better than you? Now that we are starting the new Jewish year of 5776, it’s a good time to consider implementing a new mindset. A few years back I read of a study conducted by Duke University on "Peace of Mind” just for the purpose of trying to figure this out. The results of the study contained the following nine factors which, when applied to one’s life, are most likely to contribute to emotional and mental stability:

1) The absence of suspicion and resentment (Nursing a grudge was a major factor in unhappiness)

2) Living in the present and the future (Much unhappiness stems from an unwholesome preoccupation with one’s past mistakes and failures)

3) Not wasting time and energy fighting conditions you cannot change (Learning to choose your life battles wisely)

4) Cooperating with life, instead of trying either to demolish it or run away from it

5) Forcing yourself to be outgoing with others, instead of retreating within during periods of stress

6) Refusing to pity yourself or seek self-justification in easy alibis that make you appear "noble" to yourself and others

7) Cultivating the old-fashioned virtues of love, honor, loyalty and thriftiness

8) Not expecting too much of yourself (When there is a wide gap between the standards you set for yourself and your actual achievement, unhappiness is inevitable. If you cannot improve your performance, try lowering the demands instead)

9) Find something bigger than yourself in which to believe (Self-centered, egotistical, materialistic people scored lowest in the study for measuring happiness)

I personally find a great deal of practical advice in this study, but more importantly to me is the ultimate peace of mind that comes from knowing G-d and following him! Rav Shaul writes in Romans 5:1 that our acceptance of Messiah’s sacrifice for our sins has brought us into the position of being at peace with G-d, while in Philippians 4:5-7 he reminds us of G-d’s concern for us to live peacefully with him despite our daily needs and personal trials. Why worry when we can pray! Know that G-d is big enough to know what’s best for you! L’Shanah Tovah!

Forward for Messiah,

Kirk Gliebe

Rabbi & Director