Primarily I like to do things on a basis of passion, I like learning things and seeking to make links and understand the bigger picture of what it enables us to do, whether its grappling with a class concept, or finding the meaning, role, or purpose of Jewish rituals. And whenever I have an idea to improve something or, I like to list my thoughts down for later implementation, for example, this could be positive interactions, and energising things my Madrichim have done to engage, so I would list it down as personal advice to try in the future when I am organising things.
A few mantras have created some of the best experiences for me have been:
• Reflecting on, if in a few years, I were to look back on my actions to ensure I would not regret them, this was sparked by my reflection about remembering how I used to always be shy, and with the benefit of hindsight, I regret letting this lack of confidence hold me back. Whenever, I recall this, I will engage in things out of my comfort zone- trying to perceive everything as learning— to try to build character as much as possible.
• The catalyst for my best experiences has been through a lens of gratitude of how lucky we are to be alive and here in the present. I remember a remark from a Jewish studies teacher reflecting on how grateful they were to simply be there then.
• Whenever I am conscious of that luckiness, I have found that I am enabled to be present and can relax and bring an authentic level of energy when leading services, and with my participation in school musicals and my regular engagement in weekly Friendship Circle programs and future involvement this summer in Flying Fox.
• See everything, including failure, as a genuine learning experience — analysing what was done incorrectly to improve. Ie sometimes I would try to complete too many tasks simultaneously and ended up getting less done- and now know to focussed on one or two things at a time to accomplish more. Or also once I organised a primary school shabbat and noticed we physical layout was not conducive to engage more kids. I learnt and adapted from this experience for next time.