Rebecca Duesterbeck

Madison, WI, United States

Retired Stormtrooper/Insurance

Posted

01 Feb 17:46

Posted

01 Feb 17:16

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)

Posted

01 Feb 17:10

The Quietest Room in Shamayim

There once was a man who dreamt he entered Gan Eden. An angel gave him a tour of three heavenly rooms. The first — the Reception Room — was buzzing with angels sorting through endless tefillot from Klal Yisrael. The second — the Delivery Room — was just as busy, with angels preparing to send down blessings in response to those heartfelt prayers.

Then came the third: a small, quiet room with only one angel... sitting silently. “This is the Confirmation Room,” the angel explained. “Here we collect the return receipts. This is where people’s thank-yous are recorded after their prayers are answered.”

The man was stunned. “How do people send back those receipts?”

“By simply saying, ‘Thank You, Hashem.’”

What a wake-up call! This quietest room in Shamayim reflects a deep truth — we often forget to express gratitude once we receive what we asked for.

Posted

01 Feb 15:57

What Is Spiritual Rest?

Kabbalists write that there is no rest in this world nor in the world to come. In other words, we need to constantly advance without cessation, and when we completely rise above our egoistic desire to enjoy for self-benefit alone at others’ expense into the full absolute attainment of the upper world, which is characterized by an altruistic intention upon our desire to enjoy, then everything will indeed reach a state of perfect and eternal rest.

Based on a Virtual Kabbalah Lesson with Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman on November 19, 2017

Posted

01 Feb 14:12

How often do you catch yourself saying, "I have to do this"? These words stem from fear, anchoring us to obligations rather than desires. The Magid of Mezritch, a revered Chasidic sage, taught of two worlds: one visible and one of unseen love. Our task is to choose the latter.

Aligning with our true selves brings peace and harmony. Even amidst past mistakes, there's an untouched core within us, free from self-doubt and pretense.

When actions feel obligatory, be it in work or relationships, resentment can fester. This week, I encourage you to shift from "I have to" to "I want to." Embrace choices that resonate with your authentic desires, and watch as your life transforms.

Posted

01 Feb 12:35

Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.”

Inspired by the teachings of Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner (1906-1980)

Posted

30 Jan 18:16

Congratulations

By Tzvi Freeman

You cannot blame yourself, never mind persecute yourself, for how you feel. But you can rejoice in the battle of controlling and sublimating those feelings.

Every small victory within yourself is a major triumph over the darkness of this world. Indeed, this is why this darkness was placed within you, in order that you may transform it into great light.

Posted

30 Jan 16:58

Crowned with Emuna

BS'D

The Rambam writes (Hilchot Teshuva 8:2), “The righteous sit with crowns on their heads and enjoy the radiance of the Shechina.” But those crowns? We craft them here, in this world, each time we strengthen our emuna.

Every moment you recognize that Hashem is holding you, guiding you, sustaining you — even when you don’t understand the how or the why — you are polishing your crown in the World to Come. The Kuzari teaches that if Hashem’s supervision were removed even for a second, nothing would remain. Your every breath is a Divine miracle.

The Nefesh HaChaim reminds us to thank Hashem for both the sweet and the bitter, for even the harshest decrees come from eyes that see what we cannot. Hashem sees with perfect vision, beyond the illusion of this world, into the realm of revealed good.

Let this truth soak into your heart. You are not alone. You are seen, guided, and loved.

Posted

30 Jan 16:48

The tangled branches of the banyan tree once caught my attention, and in them I saw a reflection of the human mind.

Its vast, complex structure mirrors the way our thoughts move—many streams flowing at once, intersecting, overlapping, competing for space. At times, it feels like heavy traffic every time we step out into the world: noisy, crowded, and overwhelming. What an ordeal!
Yet nature offers us a quiet lesson.

Despite its density and complexity, the banyan tree does not remain confined. Its branches rise upward, stretching patiently toward the sky, instinctively drawn to light.

Our mind, too, holds this immense potential. When scattered, it entangles us. When consciously guided, it becomes a force of clarity, creativity, and growth.

Mastery of the mind is not effortless. It demands continuous awareness, discipline, perseverance, and deep commitment. There are no shortcuts—only steady practice and gentle persistence.

But once the journey toward self-realisation begins, there is no turning back.
Obstacles will arise, as they always do. Yet, when you stay on the path, what no longer serves your purpose begins to fall away. And slowly, naturally, you rise—toward light, truth, and inner freedom.

Posted

30 Jan 15:48