A Dispatch From the Road
Spring Break two weeks before Pesach and I'm totally not panicking.
I’m writing to you guys from the road.
I know. It’s two and a half weeks before Pesach, so what the heck am I doing on the road? Such a good question. One that I’ve had to wrestle with and still am. Here’s the thing: my kids have Spring Break and public schools aren’t taking my schedule into consideration, much to my dismay.
Every part of me feels like I need to be home prepping for Pesach. And I also know that being home with the kids while they’re off from school as I try to get work done is a recipe for a lot of conflict and negative energy. It feels weird, because it’s not like I have babies and toddlers at home. But I tell ya, the pre-teen/ teenage years ain’t for sissies! The dynamics right now in my house aren’t conducive for mom working and kids chilling. So we made the executive decision to bite the bullet and go on a little local trip. It forces me and Chaim Shaul to be present with them and that’s what’s in order. It’s not a bad idea to fill the kids’ cups before a very hectic season. Whether my cup is being filled, that’s a different story.
I am a bit worried because they do take a lot of energy, the fighting and attitude come along wherever we go, and when we get back it’s going to be major crunch time. It feels very de-stabilizing for me to be on a trip this close to Pesach. So here’s what I’m going to practice and work on, my mantras so to speak.
I’m going to use this opportunity to be present with my kids.
I’m going to find moments to recharge.
When I start to panic, I’m going to remember that I am exactly where I’m supposed to be.
I’m not home, I cannot Pesach prep, so I might as well have fun.
It will all fall into place by hook or by crook.
With all that said and done, I have a message for our people in Israel:
I’m very aware that these are first world struggles. I haven’t stopped thinking about all of you trying to navigate Pesach during a war, running to bunkers and kids not in school for weeks already. I don’t know how you do it! You are made of some really tough stuff. I also know that many of you are probably panicking and feel a huge amount of overwhelm. Guess what? You can be tough and freak out at the same time! I have a lot of respect and admiration for all of you.
Anyway, I really hope we all find the strength and inner reserve to face and handle our own personal adversities. This holiday is all about freedom, right? Personal and collective.
Here’s a list of our most recent podcast episodes to keep you company as you prep!
See ya on the other side!
Chavie