What Are You Proud Of?
FreiFem2011Last night we attended the Footsteps Celebrates event, a beautiful evening showcasing the achievements of Footsteps members. Members who had reached various academic milestones were recognized, and members who had played leadership roles were honored.
I’d love to have a ‘red carpet reel’ to share images of these men and women, dressed in cotton, silk, lace, and jeans, their hair shorn spiky short or flowing long and free, beaming smiles of pride and appreciation more luminescent than any Hollywood-bright incisor. Alas, the world we come from is such, this event needs to be shrouded in privacy to protect the wellbeing of its attendees.
At one point in the evening, attendees were invited to share accomplishments of all kinds, that they had achieved during this past year. I invite you, if you were able to be there or not, to share your own accomplishments of the past year below. Share anything that was a milestone for you, given your own personal journey, regardless of how large or small.
Here are two of mine:
- I quit my job, trading the security of a successful career for the terror and joy of pursuing my dreams
- I reengaged with Judaism on my own terms, rejecting the all or nothing of my youth
What about you?
13 Responses
“What Are You Proud Of?”
Many things. But right now, most of all, I’m proud of those FS members who spoke last night with such remarkable honesty, grace, and maturity, all of whom I am lucky to count as friends.
FreiFem, I learned of Footsteps through you! Wish I’d been there last night.
I learned to swim. This was not the first time I’ve tried to learn, either. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I’ve done some pretty hard things.
The event was truly amazing, and to our awardee, congrats!
I am proud that I got to race in a in a sports event that was covered on ESPN (alright ESPN3, but still.)And I finnished my second short play.
I am also proud to be part of the Unpious family.
Congratulations to you all!!
J. – you’ll have to come to some event, so we can meet in person….
I texted on Shabbos.
I started a new job…and have been surrounded by inspiring people ever since! thanks ya’ll!
“• I reengaged with Judaism on my own terms, rejecting the all or nothing of my youth” – LIKE!!
That takes a while, but once you are able to do it, it feels wonderful, and is true freedom.
I wish I could of made it there to support everyone.. Miss u all!!
While I do appreciate the struggles and stories of the Footsteps crowd I didn’t go to it, as my story in the frum community is somewhat too over-whelming that I would be able to celebrate breaking off from it.
I spend alot of time wondering what becomes of spending decades in the yeshiva world, becoming close to g-d but distant & anti-social to people and disastrous relationships with former friends and family. Perhaps with a history such as my own I would be an ‘important’ person in the frum community, but diminished and useless everywhere else. Unfortunately my experiences with religious people have shown a tremendous lack of concern for others’ well-being, a lifetime of sadness and much more that make it seem sickening to continue with it.
I ate oysters for the first time, they were great!
Shaya,
I would like to have a phone chavrusa with you.
Do you have time?
I only have one condition. We learn for 30 days straight except Shabbos and you eat strictly kosher for 30 days.
What time is good for you?
Emes Rocker
Thanks, but no thanks. If you want to write to me though, feel free.
heathenhassid@gmail.com
Emes, leave Shaya alone. Let him discover his new life. What he gets if you sway him pales in comparison to what he is getting by setting himself free. It’s not as black and white as you think. You’re lucky HR hasn’t kicked you off yet
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