last living students of Rav Yeruchem still alive) may he be well until 120, explains this idea. Our good traits are the tools with which we are able to improve ourselves and to grow to higher realms. For example if someone’s strong point is that he or she seeks the truth their truth seeking will assist them overcome other flaws.
If for example this same person has strong excess desires for foods. Their positive trait of seeking truth can be used to seek out the true way G_D intended us to use food and since this person seeks truth he or she will strive to use food in that way. A hotheaded person whom angers easily may be able to use his or hers positive strength of seeking to do kindness to overcome their anger in some situations.
We are each sent into this world with a specific purpose that only I can fulfill and no one else. It follows therefore that our traits are the tools with which we are given to succeed in our heavenly given mission. So a first step is to try and identify some of our positive traits. One way to do this is by being an observer of ourselves. What do I mean? Step back and look at how we react on act in a positive ways or circumstances. What feelings and thoughts do we have? DO I feel a desire or inner push to help the other because of a desire to do “chesed” acts of kindness? Or is it because I feel that is the correct way to act? DO I act calm in a tense situation because I feel an inner patience or because I feel I am in control because of my ideals?
Living with ourselves with a little more awareness will bring us valuable self understand about whom we are.
Likewise it is important to uncover the negative side of who we are. This is not in order to find fault with ourselves but rather to understand where our weak points are. This way we know what we are to be extra careful about and guard ourselves from mishaps and negative outcomes. We find in the “Maharal” and other classic works an important thought about our negative individual drives each of us have. If a person notices within themselves an especially strong pull
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