The pain of seeing our mistakes.

Recently I have been going over my books preparing for an audit.  I found that the most difficult part was finding my own mistakes.  Looking back and saying, "How could I have made such a dumb mistake."  I suddenly realized that this is the pain of Gehenom (in a tiny way).  When we get to Shamayim and we see what we could have been it will be unbearably difficult.  I have resolved to try harder to live my life in such a way that I don't have to look back and see as many mistakes.  I hope that I can keep even a tiny part of this resolve alive.

The Ari says that the Sukkah is like a hug from Hashem

On Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur we do Teshuvah from Yirah (fear) but on Sukkas we do Teshuvah from Ahavah.  This means that all of our sins become considered as virtues.  The root of most of our sins comes from lack of Emunah.

The Ari says that the Sukkah is like a hug from Hashem which brings us to Teshuva from Ahava

from the Shiur on Naaleh:
Cycle of Teshuva

Teacher: Mrs. Shira Smiles Class: Sukkot: Time of Our Joy

The Dynamics of Achieving Real Change by Rabbi Kirzner

Very often arrogance is what leads us to sin.  If we want to change we have to change the source of the sin and not just the sin.

We have to portray this change in our deeds and actions.  We have to show that we are a changed person.

A person should try to control himself even in things that are permitted because any indulgence will lead us in the wrong direction. Controlling our eating will help us to become a more controlled person, which will help us to grow spiritually.

from a Shiur on Aish Audio:

 Rabbi Yitzchak Kirzner ztl

How do I have the audacity to ask the Ribono Shel Olam for mercy, and yet live a life of contradiction?

Remember us for life, O King who desires life, and inscribe us in the Book of Life--for Your sake, O Living G-d (Amidah - Aseres Yemei Teshuva)

Obesity curtails life. There is a direct correlation between excess weight and the development of cardiac problems, diabetes and a myriad of other diseases R'L. I look with disdain at the alcoholic and drug addict who is obviously squandering his years. It is easy to see another's faults.

How do I have the audacity to ask the Ribono Shel Olam for mercy, and yet live a life of contradiction? Can I continue to wallow in physical indulgence and have the Chutzpah to ask for a "good life"? If I want my Tefillos to be pleasing, my actions must reflect the utterances of my lips. I must show Hashem that I am serious about tackling this challenge in my life.

It is then that I can hope for salvation and the blessings of infinite mercy. It is then that I can ask for a life filled with sanctity and purpose, that Hashem lead me in the path of His Service.