Who Moved My Cheese?
Everyone is struggling with the new reality in the world. The future is unknown. What will the "new normal" look like? From synagogue services to sporting events, will things ever be the same?
After the COVID-19 dust settles (hopefully sooner than later... amen!) how will we adjust to the new reality on the ground?
I recently read the best-selling book, “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Dr. Spencer Johnson. I suspect that one of the main reasons it was so popular is because of its size. It can be read in just one hour! But its message is a very important one, and is very much in line with Jewish philosophy.
The premise of the book is that in life, changes will always happen. This is true regarding our relationships, health, jobs and so much more. The status quo is not static. This is the nature of the world that we live in. However, if we can learn to adapt to change quickly, and actually learn how to enjoy the adventure that change brings, we would be happier people and live more successful lives.
For many of us, working from home, while not without its obvious challenges, has also opened our eyes to the importance of spending more quality time with our loved ones. The situation has also forced us to refocus our priorities, and has challenged us to feel and express gratitude for so many things that we got used to taking for granted in our pre-corona stupor.
For me personally, I have been doing more Torah study, more Torah teaching and have adjusted my schedule to include a daily one-hour study session with one of my children. While definitely not always easy, it has been a true blessing to be able to mentor and connect with this child in a meaningful and ongoing basis.
What will happen when my cheese moves again? When schools and synagogues reopen? When social-distancing norms improve? What will I have learned from the past two months? Will I be able to remain a more grateful and connected person? Will my relationships be enhanced?
One of my favorite quotes in the book is: “As far as work goes, maybe instead of changing jobs, I should be changing the way I am doing my job. I’d probably have a better position by now if I did.“ I love that “mussar takeaway.” To expect change, and more importantly, to allow the changes that we go through in our lives to become catalysts for us to change ourselves for the better. To teach us priorities, gratitude and the importance of personal growth.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Koval
