A simple cup of water.

A moment of pause.

A chance to begin again.

In Judaism, Netilat Yadayim—ritual hand washing—isn’t just about hygiene.

It’s a spiritual reset.

A reminder that holiness is never far away.

Every time we wash, we let go of what was and make space for what could be.

We bring intention into the ordinary.

We turn even bread and water into something sacred.

How do you bring moments of renewal into your day?

I explained that I had zero intention of relinquishing my stealth status, and she commented on the כונה, kavanah, with which I said that- my intention.

Before now, I had only encountered this concept in regard to prayer or mitzvot, and the thought that my decision to live authentically is comparable... well, if anyone wants to study that particular theme with me, my DMs are open.

When I was younger, I always imagined that a stealth life would be a quiet one, with the trans life essentially consigned to history. And perhaps it would be, if I wasn't gay, and compelled to engage with LGBT spaces.

As such, I frequently enter discussions on gender and sexuality, and navigating them is a new type of challenge. I have to learn to appear subjective on a subject that is deeply, and often painfully, personal.

Aries: popcorn made 3 days ago that’s been sitting out

Taurus: soggy cereal

Gemini: pop-tarts

Cancer: raw pasta

Leo: a single grape

Virgo: yesterday’s chewed gum

Libra: gin

Scorpio: stale Tostitos

Sagittarius: an entire bag of sunflower seeds without water

Capricorn: 3 month old candy

Aquarius: a sad sandwich