Take a minute to remember what you were doing last Friday night when Shabbat started. Yes, this is the point where you feel the urge to go run for your phone and check your calendar ’cause who can remember what they were doing last Friday night? When you have it, or at least an idea, use it as a starting point to think about the past week. Think about its ups and downs and about the regular parts of this past week too. And then… let it go. When we clear our head and heart of the hustle of the week then we can truly rest. This rest is magic because it helps us bring our best selves to the week ahead.

Where was I last Shabbat? Where was I physically and spiritually? Was I rushed, or did I savor the coming of Shabbat? What’s happened in the six days past? They go so quickly that I have hardly taken notice. What kind of person was I this week? Thoughtful? Superficial? Preoccupied? Appreciative? Did I laugh? Cry? Did I tell anyone how much I love them? Did I use my week well? And what does that even mean? What lessons will I take with me into the future?

As I enter into Shabbat, I release the past week – its joys and its sorrows. I free myself from any misgivings or guilt. I am ready to look for new happiness and bring the best of me to new experiences during the week to come.
-A JewBelong Original