The Launch

We all have inspiring thoughts from time to time. Every once in a while, our brains will flash a mental snapshot of who we can/should be, or we'll resolve to live more meaningful lives. I obviously don't live in other people's heads, but I believe that these occasional glimpses of moral clarity are part and parcel of the human experience.
Now we need to ask ourselves: What happens with these positive impulses? Are they figurative 'flashes in the pan'? Or do they yield substantive results, transforming one's conduct and attitude? Assuming that we want to translate these thoughts into concrete change, the next question is: How?One important technique is to avoid quick, broad changes. If I'm driving down the highway, and suddenly recognize that I should be spending more quality time with my child, I shouldn't just make a sweeping resolution to become a different person. That's a bit too open-ended, and thus unrealistic.
Over-the-top isn't an effective strategy.
Here's a better way: When that figurative 'light bulb' goes off in my head, I can resolve to act differently today, or maybe even this entire week. I should concentrate on a limited, manageable chunk of time into which I can sink my teeth. It's a realistic goal; and I can renew my pledge as the time expires.
So, incremental growth is healthy growth. That's a message of the Chanukah candles: First, we bring the light of one candle to the world. Then, a second. And so on.
But what now? Today is the eighth day of Chanukah. Tomorrow there are no more Chanukah candles. The Menorahs and dreidels are packed away.
But it can't end here. This is just the launch.
Now we need to take Chanukah's inspiration and elevate our lives throughout the year.
Our conceptual Chanukah lights need to keep burning, even after the Menorah is packed away. Hmmm. Lights burning beyond their normal capacity. I guess that'll be our own personal 'Miracle of the Oil'.