We Call Upon Our President

This upcoming week, I am giving my first speech as the president of my synagogue.  Traditionally, the president speaks to the congregation on Kol Nidre, the night when Yom Kippur starts; this is generally a State of the Union type address.  I began thinking and writing ideas about this for weeks.  While I have spoken before, it has never been in this “official” capacity. 

Timing is everything…As the timing would have it, a friend this past week asked me about Toastmasters, what I learned and the benefits.  I am a big fan of this program, even though I have not attended in many months, but keep my membership active.  The questions were simple, “Has it been effective…in becoming a better overall speaker,” and “Would I recommend it?”  My answers were, “Yes and yes.  It has been a big help in how to structure a talk and engage the audience.”  Many years ago, I had dreamt about having the opportunity to speak publicly.  Yes, having been a consultant, speaking in front of people, giving what is known as a persuasion speech was part of the job.  However, with proper guidance and feedback (as with any type of education and mentoring), one can better hone their skills, receive guidance and focus, and advance his or her capabilities.

As I am finishing up preparing my speech, I keep in mind what I have learned:  introducing too many points (some speakers add too many points, have limited support), use an example or story as that helps to visualize, use vocal variety (monotone does not engage) and engage the audience.  While this is a lot to remember, practicing is key.  Yes, you can wing an off-the-cuff speech (i.e., back pocket speech).  However, a formal oration has to be tight with points well-made and not too long.  I am used to practicing 5 to 7 minute or 10 to 12 minute speeches.  That should be more than enough time to convey the points.

When the cue comes, “We now call upon our President…” I just have to remember to take a deep breath, step up to the lectern and enjoy the experience.

L’Shana Tova 2018

It is once again the Jewish New Year!  This means that I will be spending a lot of time going to services, to atone for my sins and pray for next year to be a good one.  As the President of my synagogue, I will be sitting front and center, where everyone will know if I am there, what time I arrive and every itch that I scratch.  The seat came along with the job title.

As we start the new year, it is time to reflect on the past year and contemplate the year ahead.  As this is a religious season, it makes sense (to me) to look at my inner self and reflect on that. 

I have noticed over the past year that as the calendar moved forward, so did my belly.  I was less diligent about what I ate and went weeks without exercising.  I seemed to follow this formula:

Eat not so healthy + No exercise = Weight Gain

(Sigh)

I will not make excuses for this condition; it would be too easy to pass the buck onto someone else or some event.  The fact of the matter is that no one said to me, “Wayne, follow the new non-healthy formula.”  I did that all on my own.  I took that first step down the slippery slope – thinking it would be OK this time, and then “Ah, what’s a little cheating gonna hurt” to “I can skip today.”  Bad habits are easier to create because it is easy.  Good habits sometime include the things that we might not think we like and become harder to create.  As a fella named Bilal once told me, “Be consistent and persistent,” which is the way to succeed.

As I will be sitting in many services over the next week or so, it will give me plenty of time to contemplate myself.  Yes, I know it is corny, thinking of treating my body as a temple while praying.  With a new year, it still lends the opportunity to think of new things to do to better myself, improve where I am at and focus on things to accomplish.  My health and being around for a long time is important, for myself and for my family.  I will, therefore, develop healthier habits related to eating and exercising in the new year.

Here's to a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year! 

The Big Reveal

“Close your eyes, and keep them closed until I tell you to open them.”  If anyone grabbed you and told you that you would either be skeptical and walk in with one eye slightly opened, or you would be completely trusting.  On television shows, it is usually done in a home improvement show, where the big reveal is done to the homeowner.  Sometimes they are involved, sometimes not. 

Having been traveling for work, my true big reveal will be when I get home.  Having recently moved back to NJ, Gab wanted to transform her bedroom from her childhood place to a more adult bedroom befitting a young adult.  I remember doing the same growing up.  The room becomes a metaphor on “This is a who I am today, not who I was back then.”  We all grow, we all change. 

There was a handmade picture on the back of the door in our den – when I would exercise, I would look at it and it was part of my day.  One day recently, the picture was gone.  I asked my family what happened.  Bec, without hesitating, told to me (it was her picture from Kindergarten), “I crumpled it up and threw out.” 

“Why did you do that?” I responded.  “I loved seeing that each day when I exercised.”

“Because that does not reflect who I am,” she replied. “The foods I did not like in the picture I now eat and the things that I did not do, I now do.”

I did not get it when she responded and still wish I had taken a picture of it beforehand.  I know it is not who she has become, but I did like having a reminder of where she came from. 

Gab’s room is no different.  I wrote the first half before seeing the finished room.  The big reveal is when I walk in the house.  I am excited for her doing this.  This little project started with an idea, a decision to make a change, selecting between the options, and then putting into action the plan to achieve a desired goal.  As a parent, this is something we hope our children begin to do on their own.  Her room really becomes a metaphor for life – we change, we grow and we should have the conviction to control the path we walk along.  This is part of growing up, maturing and developing as a person. 

As I stepped into her room, a big smile broke out on my face.  The plain white room with her childhood furniture was gone.  In its place was a room full of bright colors and furniture befitting Gab at this point in her life.  I was excited for the big reveal, as it is another sign that my daughter is grown up and becoming the person she wants to be.