Devotions

In the Breslov literature, and especially in Rabbi Chaim Kramer's fabulous book on Reb Nosson called "Fire and Water" there is much talk of one's devotions towards Hashem.  Lately, I have seen my own devotions increase, in significant ways.  I am davening more than in most of my past, I have lately been learning and reading more Breslov Torah, I have been binding myself to the Tzaddik before davening and each evening, and the last two nights I have Kriat Sh'ma al Mita.  What does this all mean?  Lately, it means I have really been feeling very close to Hashem.  Do I still need more Emuna?  Yes, that was illustrated to me when I blew a tire earlier this week and was more upset about it than I should have been.  Do I spend enough time in Hisbodedus?  Not nearly enough, speaking to Hashem more in my own words is something I need to work at more.  Have I perfected myself, or my avodah?  Of course not, we are put on this earth to grow, and that is a lifelong process.  But, every so often, we get to look back and truly see progress, and while it hasn't lasted a long long time, it does seem as if progress is being made.

Goals

My wife is almost finished reading a book called "Being Happy" by Andrew Mathews, and she told me that I had to read the chapter on goals, she said that she got a lot out of it and I would to she felt if I also read the chapter.  So far I have read 15 pages of this chapter, and I have gotten a lot out of it.  One thing I realized is that I have never really had any goals in life, which is why I have sort of drifted through life and why I find myself at the age of almost  31, saying the same things that I have said for the past 4 years or so.  This year I am going to get that great job... this year I am going to lose weight... This year I will really learn Torah...  this year I am going to get married...  Well, at least that one I did accomplish about 11 months ago.  So perhaps it is time, and I have the time with a broken leg and all, to really sit down, figure out some goals for myself- short, medium, and long term goals, and then start attacking them.
Here goes.

You are what you eat.

Judaism would def agree with that statement, you are what you eat.  After all, it can be surmised that one of the reasons we keep kosher is because we are what we eat, and it is important to watch what goes into our bodies, not just for a spiritual reason, but also for a physical reason.  For this reason, my wife and I are- starting Sunday going to be really strict about what we eat, and only eat fruits and veggies for ten days, to promote health and wellbeing.  While we have both been very good about only putting kosher food into our system since we came religious, we have not been so good about putting in healthy food, and the results, sadly show.  Therefore, I am excited to try and limit my intake to veggies fruits and other no animal and ideally no sugar added (or corn startchy products) especially after watching some documentaries.  Ideally I'll be healthier and happier!