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Countdown

Saturday, 21 January 2017
Leslie
Jewish Luck Blog
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Countdown

Countdown

"How do you measure, measure a year…

In daylight, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee

In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife…

Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes…

How do you measure a year in the life?

…How about love?["Seasons of Love" From "Rent"] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj7LRuusFqo&sns=em

In St. Exupery's classic, The Little Prince, the wandering prince encounters an accountant who spends all of his time counting the stars. Because he counts them, he owns them. This is tedious but important work that must be done.

Turning sixty last year led me to an increased awareness of counting. I started counting the years that may be left, the amount of time I might have with grandchildren (who are not yet conceived), the years before retirement, the years before a move to a less harsh climate. My Golden Retriever will turn eleven this year, which, based on an actuarial table and his health, would be his likely life span.

There is also the issue of ratings, which Meryll described so well in her blog: http://www.morejewishluck.com/blog-jewish-luck-book/number-please-no-thanks#.WHkn_rxBXVs.email

Everyone is a critic. After seeing an autobiographical play that shook my world, "Trouble in Mind," written by an African American actress/writer, Alice Childress and directed by an African American woman at the Guthrie Theater, I heard my husband ask a friend what he thought of it expecting their insights and, instead, heard "it was ok". If we are busy assigning rankings, can we also have time to reflect on the work?

This year as my count of years past turn to 61, I watch myself measure my steps, my time exercising, my calories, my work hours, my income, my expenses. So many things to count. And yet I feel that while it gives me a sense of control, it isn't really what life is about. It is about love and that love for me is defined as connection.That connection is through my clients and the sacred space of therapy, it is through laughter with my husband and children. It is through the haunting two-sided paintings of Polish artist, Andrzej Wroblewski or the imperfect but perfect books of Jonathan Safran Foer. "Humans of New York" also connects me to all the people I don't know, who count.

Connection is through the gorgeous fall days in Minneapolis by Lake Harriet. It is also through carrying out a strong heartfelt impulse like marching in DC on January 21, 2017 because it's my march and I want to be there. It's the way I can reassure myself that I still live in a country where my voice can be heard. Connection is through my direct or indirect impact on what I touch, who I know.It is my "carbon footprint" extended to an "impact footprint."

So as we turn to a New Year, and a new presidential era, I will probably continue to count as I did before, not just the years until the Trump term is over. I'll understand that my counting is just housekeeping. And I will remember that my voice counts and try to hear the voices around me. What counts most for me is counting myself as a part of the human and natural world. I'll measure this year in love, and, for me, love means a positive and genuine connection.

What counts for you?

Tags:
Seasons of Love Alice Childress Activism Trump presidency Women's March in Washington
A Little March with Big Repercussions
The Wildest Inauguration Ever

About the author

Leslie

Leslie

  http://morejewishluck.com
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Leslie Levine Adler, PhD visited Russia in the summer of 1976 as part of her undergraduate Russian Studies program. She returned in 1977 to pursue her friendships from the previous summer. After teaching ESL at university, she became a psychologist.

Author's recent posts
Sunday, 07 February 2021 American Kompromat
Sunday, 31 January 2021 Alexey Navalny: Intrepid SuperHero of Russia
Sunday, 28 June 2020 Earthquake
Sunday, 07 April 2019 Mirror, Mirror
Saturday, 26 May 2018 The Regina Monologue or Feh! on Calling Me A Black Widow

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"I was very fortunate to be able to hear Meryll and Leslie speak at a Hadassah event in Israel. Each of the ~50 participants really enjoyed the event because Meryll and Leslie were so engaging. While they had a natural rapport with the audience, you could also tell they had prepared well so they could connect with our particular group's interests. I learned a lot from listening to them, and I found their sisterly interaction unique and fun. If you want an enlightening and uplifting experience, attend one of their book talks."
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"Truly, you have written a story that makes accessible the reality of existence in Russia, through the eyes of individuals who lived through the various regimes and dictates.  It is fascinating and very well told.  As I read Vera and Alla's story, I learned more Russian history than I had known from a textbook.  That's a big deal, women!  You tell the tale with vivid detail and hook us on the two women and their stories, then weave in the history to illuminate their journeys. It is such a necessary book.  I am thrilled that the two of you collaborated, as I can see the uniqueness of your personalities come through in the stories, and that, too, makes the book a gem."
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