The (Almost) Daily Dose: LET’S ALL GIVE IT OUR BEST

First and foremost, if you didn’t watch Episode 2 (it’s short) of John Krasinski’s SOME GOOD NEWS show, you must. Watch it here.

It’s a boost to the heart and soul and it’s a perfect way to start your day when you’re having trouble getting the positive momentum to flow. I will add a spoiler that there is an appearance by my imaginary boyfriend, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and let me say, Lin-Manuel should win a Nobel Prize, Krasinski as well. 

Today I am sharing a few motivational things that help me daily but also, especially NOW.

1. My friend Jennifer sent me this book, G’Morning, GNight! little pep talks for me & you (BUY THIS BOOK AS A PRESENT TO YOURSELF AND BUY ONE AS A PRESENT FOR SOMEONE YOU LOVE WHO COULD USE A BOOST): And yep, it’s by Lin-Manuel with illustrations by Jonny Sun. Each page offers a little note for when you wake up and for before bed.

Here’s one:

Good Morning.

Eyes Up. Hearts Up. Minds Sharp.

Compassion On Full Blast.

*Sips Coffee*

Okay, Let’s Go.

Good Night

Eyes Shut. Hearts Open.

Minds Calm. Empathy On Full Blast.

*Sips Tea*

Okay, Let’s Go.

2. Here’s another great every day book. I often give it to my daughters’ friends for graduations and Valentine’s and birthdays. It’s called BRAVE ENOUGH and it’s by another of my personal heroes, Cheryl Strayed. The pages are small and it has 135 of them. Some days it’s one sentence, other days it’s a longer thought.

Here’s One:

Every last one of us can do better than give up. 

3. Last night was the beginning of Passover. I love this holiday because it’s all about freedom We Jews were enslaved, now we are not. Every year we celebrate our journey to freedom (Admission: I am not a religious person but this is a very good story.) and we also remember those who are not free. And there are a lot of folks around the globe who are not free. There are lots of folks locked up at our borders. So just for today, try and remember and celebrate how lucky we are to be free and how we should never, ever, ever take that for granted. I am so thankful for America because my grandfather came here to escape persecution and he was such a wonderful, sweetheart of a guy and because of him, I have this wonderful, free life. So I need to remember, daily, how lucky I am to be here, to be free and to honor his sacrifice because without it, I wouldn’t be here writing you now. Thank you, Morris Roth. (I love you and I miss you.) Thank you, America. This is why I am a Patriot.

Esther and Morris Roth, Atlantic City, circa 1930s