Simcha Poretz Geder
Happiness breaks all boundaries

My mother bought me a ring with this very inscription over 20 years ago. I asked her to bring it home for me on a trip to Israel, and she did. It was silver, thin and simple. I cherished it. I wore this revered ring daily- my one constant piece of jewellery. It reminded me of an essential purpose- to continue to choose to stay rooted in joy.
 

Two months ago, the ring was stolen. I had left it on my countertop while washing my hands and a new cleaning lady was in my home that day. 

I only noticed once she was gone that the ring was missing.

 

I felt grief-stricken and violated. Having someone enter my home and leave with a piece of me that has been a daily reminder for decades, was a revolting feeling. I was bereft .  

 

But as with everything in my life, I played with it until I came up with this:

Concepts are wonderful. Quotes may be impactful. Inspiration can be magnanimous. But the only concrete matter is internalization.

Until an idea is completely internalized and woven into the fabric of our being, it remains separate and apart from what we may want to be achieving.
 

I had the ring. I looked at it often and smiled. It was a reminder that happiness conquers all. It helped make me feel aligned with the direction I wanted to be.

 

But what if I chose instead to just be aligned? Carry the ring within me. Have the joy radiate from within - not as a reminder to stay rooted in joy, but because my roots are joy.

 

I chose that and continue to choose that every day since.

And thus far, the joyful roots have been radiating deeper and more vibrantly than the ring ever has.

 

-Sheva

August 25, 2022