Days of Awe

My favorite time of year — well, not favorite time but most philosophical time — is the time between Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).

Not because it’s in the fall, and not because the fall is the best, but because what it’s supposed to signify and what you’re supposed to do with that time. It’s called the Days of Awe or Days of Repentance and it’s the time you’re supposed to ask others for forgiveness. On Yom Kippur, it’s just G-d so this is when you do it for others.

It’s an interesting thing to think about, especially when you think of apologies nowadays. Most of the apologies in the media — from personalities and companies — are written from a legal standpoint and are pretty much “I’m sorry you were offended” and offer no real introspection or apology, no real being sorry for what has happened, or what was done.

And pretty much that’s a cop-out. I get the PR and legal side of it, but if you’re not really sorry, don’t bother with the window dressing. If you are sorry, go out and make a change.

Thinking back over the year, there are things and people I have wronged, or might have wronged without realizing it. I know I need to focus on certain things, re-stoke that PR fire and deliver more results and that’s on me. I snark — and I do it well, and quickly — and sometimes I should just bite my tongue.

The period of time for me is a rebirth (hence, a new year) and while I always try to rededicate myself, it’s a new year for me with my birthday and getting old (but never looking it, sorry losers). I’m going to figure out what I want, do it, and spend more time with people I love and care about.

But before that, I do offer a sincere apology to those I’ve wronged or hurt. I should demand better from myself, and will try to live up to that ideal. Because I am pretty great.

Love and love,
JP