Making Aliyah

The most interesting thing happened to me on a recent trip to Chicago. I ran into a girl, who previously, I would have defined as the quintessential Jewish princess (and not in the religious sense). It turns out that she's decided to make Aliyah and move to Isreal intent on studying torah. She's become an ultra orthodox, dressing modestly in long, plain skirts. At first, it shocked me. I'm not gonna lie. This type of thing really throws me. I have found in my life, that even as hard as I try to change certain things, I continuously return to my core self. I am who I am, no way around it. And so, those that have the ability to experience something life changing and can re-define their reality, I really envy. Of course, I began thinking that this girl was completely ridiculous, but after hearing more about the background I came to actually feel like she may have something to teach me. Not about Judaisim, but about following your heart no matter how awkward it is to the people around you. I really struggle to find the courage to pursue some of the things I know I'd love, that maybe don't fit into my "normal" life & career. Instead I spend a lot of wasted time dreaming about them. But not this girl, she wanted this, it felt right, and she's going after it. She took control of her story, and it's inspired me to take control of mine.