Perfection is an illusion that keeps you chasing a moving target. You don’t have to be flawless to be worthy. Real growth happens in the messy, imperfect moments where you show up anyway.

Mistakes are not failures – they are moments of learning disguised as setbacks, each one carrying insight that only experience can teach. They are part of the process of becoming who you’re meant to be, and often become the very thing that strengthens you most.

Let go of the pressure to be perfect and embrace the freedom of being real. Remember that progression matters more than perfection, and consistency with compassion is how growth becomes sustainable instead of exhausting. Be kind to yourself and celebrate small wins. Keep stepping, stumbling, learning and repeating. Keep getting up, keep showing up, and no matter what, don’t ever give up.

Inspired by the teachings of Reb Noson of Breslov (1780-1844)

Empty Parks: Where have all the children gone?

https://prepareforchange.net/2026/01/11/empty-parks-where-have-all-the-children-gone/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=empty-parks-where-have-all-the-children-gone

I stayed in a Smart Hotel: here's what I learned 👉

https://romanshapoval.substack.com/p/lessons-i-learned-from-staying-in?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=898281&post_id=182164729&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=ccrm2&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

Five Reminders to Take to Heart

———

1. What you thought would complete you was never meant to.

It was meant to point you beyond yourself, toward a deepening connection to Hashem.

2. Life does not disappoint us by accident.

It disappoints the illusion so that the truth can emerge.

3. Peace begins the moment we start asking the right questions.

Stop asking:

* “Am I getting what I need?”

Start asking:

* “What lesson is Hashem teaching me now?”

* “What does Hashem want me to do in response to this situation?”

Stop asking life to serve you.

Start asking what you are here to serve.

4. Menucha deepens when you stop demanding that life satisfy you.

It grows when you let go of that demand.

5. Life was never meant to make you comfortable.

It was meant to help you grow and align with your neshama.

———

Be Good to Others

Goodwill is not a Pollyanna kind of wish, thinking that everybody’s going to be good, therefore I’ll be good to them. It’s because people are not going to be good many times that you’ve got to be good to them.

We must strive to have a heart BIGGER than the world.......

Medicalized Motherhood: From First Pill to Permanent Patient

https://unbekoming.substack.com/p/medicalized-motherhood-from-first?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=355417&post_id=184086569&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=ccrm2&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

The Nature-Deficit Syndrome

https://prepareforchange.net/2026/01/09/the-nature-deficit-syndrome/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-nature-deficit-syndrome

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/12/10/medications-gut-health-long-term-effects.aspx?cid_source=takecontrol&cid_medium=email&cid_content=art1Bttn&cid=20260110_TC&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email