Twenty One

Spring - and blooming into 21

A year ago tonight, I sat at a bonfire on a Tzfas hilltop surrounded by friends and celebrating my twentieth birthday. I was concluding my six month stay in Tzfas, an experience that was animated with truth and beauty that changed my eyes forever. I felt the whole world unraveling before me.

That week, I wrote in a letter home:

I felt like this was my first birthday ever, the beginning of my life. It's amazing to stand in the same place that you were exactly a year ago but have a completely different inner and outer reality, seeing the world and others in a completely new light.

Since then, I've had more rich experiences - working with and for the more incredible people, being presented with unbelievable growth opportunities, making new friendships, traveling, learning, and most recently, moving into a fourth floor apartment, where I map out the rest of my life, everyday.

I never felt entitled to expect that this past year's experiences would become as treasured to me as the the year prior. The appreciation is abundant.

And now, once again, the world is unraveling before me.

I can hear Hashem whispering, "Stay tuned, Mimi."

This birthday, I thank Hashem for the gift of inspiration, and the blessing of being able to see and feel that every new year - and even day - is the beginning of the rest of my life.