Your Awesome Self

RABBI DR. ABRAHAM J. TWERSKI’S INTRODUCTION It is no secret that many people are unhappy and to a greater or lesser extent, dissatisfied with their lives. Psychiatrists and psychologists are kept very busy. The most widely sold medications are tranquilizers and antidepressant. Almost every day there is a new book on how to achieve happiness. For forty years, I have worked with a population of alcohol and drug addicts, many of whom had recourse to these chemicals to escape from their unhappiness. I have seen many of them give up their chemical and make a major turn-around in their lives by attending the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous, in which they attend meetings and share their problems and experiences. Some people have asked, “Why is there not a similar type of program for people who do not use alcohol and/or drugs?” I am responding to this idea. I happened to come across twelve principles of Yiddishkeit which the late Lubavitcher Rebbe cited as vital to a wholesome life. I wish to elaborate on these, and I am bold enough to suggest that if people met in groups to discuss these principles and share their feelings and experiences vis-à-vis these concepts, it may well be a formula for achieving happiness.