It’s Not What You Think It Is

The Jewish holiday of Purim tells the story about Queen Esther, whose husband, king Achasverosh, wanted to kill all the Jews in his kingdom. He was advised to do so because the Jews were different. To avert the decree, the queen bravely stepped in, revealed to her husband that she was herself a Jew, and asked him to save her people.
The name, Esther, means hidden and mysterious in Hebrew . Was Esther chosen by devine intervention to become the queen so that she could save her people? Queen Esther knew that she had to muster all her courage to change the course of history. She confronted her fears, and as a result, found empowerment. Because she saved her people, this holiday is celebrated with costumes, masks, and a masquerade.
We, as human beings, also tend to hide behind masks. We have an outward image that we choose to show others. We present that image with the way we look, speak, and act. We have a narrative that we tell ourselves and others. We are the main character in our play of life surround ourselves with supporting actors.
Henry Ford once said: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” Some of us choose to see life with all the drama, bitterness, sorrow, and tears. Others choose to reframe their condition and see how it can make them stronger, understanding that it’s up to them to choose their reaction to their circumstances. If we believe that we are strong, capable, and successful with a “yes I can” attitude, nothing can stop us. Then, even the challenges and hurdles have meaning and purpose. Change your narrative and you’ll find an endless abundance of great choices that are awaiting you.
Removing our metaphorical masks allows us to face our issues authentically. Life is not a dress rehearsal; this is our only chance to play our very best part, for a limited time only. We create the transcript of our story, we direct it, and we can edit it the way we like it. We can choose to write a happy ending by erasing years of limiting thoughts.
Pay attention to your narrative and how you can manifest and transform your life to create a better reality for yourself. It’s your curtain call.
Naomi Young is an educator of Jewish studies and a Bar/ Bat mitzvah tutor in Santa Clarita for the past 36 years. She’s also a published writer and an artist. Contact her at naomiyoung7@yahoo.com. You may visit her art website www.naomiyoung.com