Note: I will be Counting the Omer for a total of 49 days, from Passover to Shavuot or from Slavery to Freedom. For many, this is simply the Counting the Omer; for me, it is a time to actively reflect on different middot (character traits) that will lead me to my own rebirth.
Middah (character trait) focus: Believe

Sometimes we need a reminder that we have what it takes to move forward. . .so I made my simple memento 🙂
Sometimes life gives you more than you think you can handle. As an optimist, I often find the gifts in the challenges, but lately it is a little easier said than done. I have blocks of time when the struggle feels a little more scary than I can handle. And knowledge that the bills are barely getting paid is overwhelming. Yet I am also lucky, my dark moods rarely stay that way for too long. Mostly I believe that the sun will come out soon and life will get easier. Seeing reminders that foster positive feelings can definitely be a good thing.
Last spring was a little rough. Ironically at the the time, I did not know that things would get even more difficult – in retrospect that was probably a good thing. Anyway one day during that time period, a friend of mine called and asked me what do I need as I walk through all that is going on. My response was courage, strength, and hope; and just like that the words appeared. So I used a postcard from my favorite cafe/bar, Cafe Passe, and I made a little memento as a reminder of what I need to walk through life.
May I always have the courage to do what I need to do, the strength to move forward, and hope as I navigate this journey. With each step I take may I believe in myself and the universe; may this be true for you and your journey too!