Life Lessons

Life Lessons

Yes, I’m a Holocaust Survivor

Yes, I’m a Holocaust Survivor

by | Aug 7, 2019 | ,

Yes, I’m a holocaust survivor, but that’s not how I want to be known. What’s far more important is my philosophy of life. Along my journey, I developed five core beliefs and practices, which have enabled me to lead a blessed and empowered life. Here they are. What resonates with you?

1. Life is an amazing journey. Life is a mystery unfolding. You are the lead character in the process of your involvement. No rehearsal is required or desired. You are the creative, authentic author and producer of your life script. Embrace your uniqueness with courage and positive anticipation. Face all challenges head on as well as the opportunities life has to offer.

2. Flex your muscles. To lead the “good” life, find your inner determination, courage and resilience. Follow your heart and set a vision for yourself. No one knows you better than you what will make you happy. You are the captain of your boat of life. Navigate. It takes a vision before you can generate opportunities. What is your vision at the moment. Ponder this question until you find one that inspires you. It is never too late to take a different path on your life’s adventure.

3. There is no failure. It will cost you nothing to dream and everything not to. Failure is a concept of the feeble-minded. Replace the word “failure” with “challenge” and you will create the readiness for the next opportunity. Reflect on what you want to do, where you want to be and go for it.

4. Hurt brings opportunities. Resilience is a life-coping trait that encompasses the ability to rebound from misfortunes. It means learning from disappointing life experiences and becoming capable of moving forward to your next opportunity. Embrace life with vigor and positive anticipation. Make sure to seek, maintain and nurture significant relationships with those who will walk with you through thick and thin.

5. Live life today. Your past does not own you. Live in the moment as if you will live forever. Be open to some of the mystery and unexpected occurrences that life offers. Curiosity, excitement and positive anticipation will support you as you embrace the unknown. Yesterday is gone and past experiences are now in your archive of references for you to use constructively. Take your next steps forward. If the results do not pan out the way you exactly aspired, so be it. You will still end up closer to your imagined goal than without having strong intentions. The journey is worth it because you’re worth it. You can do it!

Surviving Trauma

Surviving Trauma

by | Jul 26, 2019 | , , ,

On December 30, 2005, I was awakened by a deafening noise, explosions, thick smoke and the rattling of fire raging mercilessly and engulfing my home. In an instant, I was back in the Holocaust war zone of my youth. Although half asleep, my thoughts came quickly. “Run, run for your life. Get out.” My breathing was shallow, and my heart was beating fast.

Fortunately, my husband and I got out in the nick of time. As we exited the house, the roof over our bedroom collapsed. From the front yard, I watched the house burn. As it did, the survivor in me kicked in. It was the house that was burning, not me. I was safe.

The Nazis did not get me as a child, and the fire was not going to get me now. The lessons learned about surviving have to do with free will and destiny (Beshert). In addition, surviving is a conscious decision that comes from the ability to stay calm in the face of danger. As a child in the Nazi concentration camp, I learned to carry-on, entertain myself, and avoid panic.

Those traits served me well through the years and have helped me deal with all types of threats, disappointments and vulnerabilities. These are the skills I’ve developed and applied in my personal and professional life. If I can do it, so can you. What traumas have you experienced, and how did you survive them?

Do you believe in free will or destiny? (Peru)

Do you believe in free will or destiny? (Peru)

by | Jul 25, 2019 | , , , , , , ,

Do you believe in free will or destiny? There is a lot that has happened in my life that I had no control over. In one sense, I believe my path was chosen for me. But in another, equally important sense, I know I have always determined for myself what to make of my life. No one—not the Nazis, not my parents and certainly not the rules of society—chose the kind of person I would become. Destiny may have charted my course, but I chose the pace. Destiny may have written much of the script for my life, but I’m still the executive producer.

Positive thoughts produce positive results

Positive thoughts produce positive results

by | Jul 22, 2019 | , , , , , ,

ositive thoughts produce positive results. Your attitude plays a major role in the success you achieve throughout your life. ☺️
You can improve yours by
☺️
1) Recognizing your competence
2) Developing a strong sense of personal security or self-esteem
3) Being dedicated to the pursuit of your life’s dreams. ☺️
Maintaining a positive attitude takes guts, grit and gusto. You can do it!

I love monkeys

I love monkeys

by | Jul 15, 2019 | , , , ,

I love monkeys. They remind me of myself. I’m a monkey in a dress! Optimism, or a positive attitude, is the foundation for living well. It doesn’t spare you from life’s traumas, difficulties and challenges, but it can help you thrive and grow as you experience them. What do you do to maintain a positive attitude?

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