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Harnessing Life Experiences to Create Change in the New Year

Harnessing Life Experiences to Create Change in the New Year

Last updated on: September 4, 2025 at 4:14 pm by Kelley Rouland M.A.

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Harnessing Life Experiences to Create Change in the New Year 2025-09-04T16:14:07-06:00 Kelley Rouland M.A.

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Stargazing and comtemplation, a perfect activity ahead of the High Holy Days/Image created with Canva AI

Just Me and The Universe

Debasish Mridha once said, “To see the magic of life, look through the wondrous eyes of a child.” So, in an effort to recapture some of that long-lost wonder, I decided to do something I hadn’t done in decades. I grabbed a blanket and a pillow and lay in the backyard stargazing. No phone, no TV, not even another human. Just me and the Universe. It was a moment of pure awe and wonder, a feeling I wish for all of you to experience.

It was a beautiful night. The air was cool and crisp, with lingering notes of autumn, while a neighbor’s fireplace conjured memories of campfires from days gone by. All of these elements came together and created the perfect environment for reflection and introspection. I was awe-struck by the overwhelming beauty of the night sky and couldn’t help but think how tiny I was in comparison to the vastness of the Universe.

Yet, somehow, I felt like the stars were shining just for me. Like spotlights in the sky telling me it’s my time to shine. Thoughts of my life’s journey began racing through my head. The failures. The setbacks. The trauma. The triumphs. Each chapter unfolded before me like an epic drama, with the occasional uncomfortable yet comedic moment woven throughout (like the time I ordered really cheap rain boots from Amazon and, when they arrived, discovered they were accessories for a dollhouse. Yep, I did that.)

Let’s Make an Impact

Joking aside, all of this thinking led me to essential questions for every life. What is it all for? Why are we here? What is our purpose? They are deep questions, but the answer is simple. I have held the long-time belief that we are not here by accident. G-d has placed us here during this time for a reason, and all of these life chapters, good and bad, combined with our skills and talents, make us an unstoppable force for good.

It’s through sharing knowledge, stories, and wisdom gleaned from life experience that we become a superpower for world change and make our most significant impact. This process connects us with others and creates a community bound by love and a shared journey towards spiritual growth. The painful chapters serve as lessons in strength and resilience, while the joy-filled chapters offer lessons in hope, triumph, and celebration. Our stories inspire others to overcome, strive for more, love more, and forgive often.

The High Holy Days

The Days of Awe are drawing near, a perfect time to implement these changes. On Rosh Hashanah, we will celebrate the new year; 5786 is a clean slate with opportunities to make an even greater impact than we could have ever imagined. And on Yom Kippur, we will cleanse ourselves of past mistakes through repentance, setting a course for a year of significant accomplishments.

As we navigate this new year, there are many ways we can create a positive impact. Through acts of chesed (loving kindness), we can share our stories to inspire others. We can volunteer, serve as mentors, or be a friend. We are divinely crafted beings meant to be a shining light that guides others when they are most in need. When we practice chesed, we become an extension of G-d, bringing heaven down to earth.

I wish you a happy Rosh Hashanah and a meaningful and easy fast on Yom Kippur. I am filled with hope and anticipation for the wonderful ways we can impact the world in the coming year. Shalom friends! Thank you for taking the time to read this heartfelt story.

Continued prayers for all of the hostages remaining in Gaza and their families. Let them go now!

If you are interested in learning more about my Jewish journey, click on the link below:

Finding Light in Tradition: My Story of Jewish Joy

I’m interested in hearing from you! Please feel free to reach out to me through social media!

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About Kelley Rouland

Kelley Rouland earned a master’s degree in media communication from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, where she researched the effects of reality television on young females. You can read more about the author here.

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