The road was open, and gorgeous snow-covered mountain tops were in my view. However, every time I needed to change lanes, I asked my Mom to help me since I was in an unfamiliar car and couldn’t see well out of the rear-view mirror. We were driving up to Vail to stay at the gorgeous Sonnenalp Hotel to bond over fabulous dinners at places like Matsuhisa, Terra Bistro and Bully Ranch. My agenda was simple: relax by Gore Creek outside the hotel, hang out with my Mom and figure out my life.
Driving down unfamiliar highways at high speeds makes me a bit nervous; I decided to try a road trip adventure because I like testing myself – trying things that deep down I know I can do but that scare me. I always feel more alive when I try something new.
New beginnings are both thrilling and frightening. An upcoming opportunity to focus on the future is the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah is the perfect time to start fresh – to change your life, your thoughts and your actions.
One idea on how to embrace the New Year is to make a list of everything good you have in your life. Too often we are critical of ourselves and focus on what we don’t have, instead of celebrating what we do have and our accomplishments. If you take a moment and write down everything positive in your world, starting from the basics, you would be surprised.
However, if you need to make changes, don’t just think – act and take the first step to get where you want to go. Judaism believes in tikkun olam, repairing the world, and that also extends to changing ourselves to become better people.
One night we enjoyed a spectacular Japanese dinner at Matsuhisa in the center of Vail Village. My Mom sat next to me so we could both enjoy the stunning view of the setting sun and the green mountain changing colors. As the day was ending and I was indulging in the divine sesame eggplant and black cod marinated in sweet miso, I asked my Mom questions about life and how to make the most of it.
She grinned at me and said, “It’s simple, figure out what you want and then go for it.” I laughed, “That is it? This is the big advice?”
But, it’s so true. How often do we agonize over what to do and how to do it? Life is as complicated as we make it. For example, if someone wants to lose weight, they have to take the first step of getting off the couch, throwing out the chips and going to the gym.
The same holds true to meet the person of your dreams. You need a plan of action. What will help get you closer to your goal? Is it online dating? Do you need to go out twice a week to venues where the types of people you want to meet are likely to be? What can you do that will take you one step closer?
Speaking of getting out, after spending time in the Sonnenalp Spa, drinking herbal tea and relaxing while watching the water in the creek rush by, Mom and I dined at Terra Bistro, a farm- to-table, all-natural organic restaurant where we feasted on mouthwatering delicacies such as sweet potato ravioli and Rocky Mountain Trout.
As we indulged over outstanding entrees filled with flavor, I was filled with questions. I wanted Mom’s opinion on new adventures I was considering in the New Year. “Mom, what do you think I ought to do?”
She smiled at me and said, “Masada, you know yourself better than anyone else. You will make the right decisions in your life. There is no playbook, no guarantees for anything. Life is unpredictable and you have to make decisions based on the information you have at the time and with the best of your abilities.”
Truth is if you want to change your life, you need to have a direction and a plan how to get there. If you are not sure about the right steps to take, start asking people you admire and trust how they have planned their journey and achieved their dreams. Everyone travels a different path. Don’t compare your life to someone else’s. Looks are deceiving, and while you might perceive someone has the perfect life, chances are they don’t. They might be looking at your life and be envious of you!
No direction is right or wrong: your journey might be filled with extensive travel, while another person might be raising children, while another might be focused on a career. Life is about living, creating meaningful relationships and having fun. The Jewish New Year is a time to reflect on past mistakes, ask forgiveness and start with a clean slate.
Driving back to Denver, I had conquered my fear of the highways, and while I still was not driving the 90 miles an hour everyone else was, I was going my own speed (the speed limit actually), and I made it to my next destination on my own time. I could not help but think there is a reason the car’s front window is large and the rearview mirror is so small. That is because it is more important to focus on what is ahead than what is left behind.
This year don’t be afraid to follow new roads – it might be nerve-wracking, but it could also be and a bit exhilarating. Chances are if you need some guidance, someone who loves you will be happy to help you change gears, lanes and position your life in a new and positive direction!
Happy New Year!
Masada Siegel is the author of Window Dressings, available at masadasiegelauthor.com.
