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JWRP Sister Spotlight: Ravit Morales

It was because of a delayed flight that Ravit Morales’ husband was able to rush her to the hospital when she felt sick. But, 20 minutes into their car ride, Ravit lost consciousness, suffered complete organ failure, and then didn’t wake up for several months. Ravit spent the next two years living in the hospital, while doctors throughout Israel tried to figure out what had happened to Ravit and how to cure her. Slowly, Ravit regained control of her body and returned to her husband and four kids in Kochav Yair, Israel. In our conversation, Ravit shares how her experiences compelled her to dramatically change both her life and her perspective.

What inspired you to experience MOMentum?

I lived in Israel until I was four years old and then moved back with my husband and kids in 2009. Even though we’d traveled a bit around Israel, I’d never experienced the country with a tour guide. I thought that MOMentum would be a great way for me to learn more about Israel. I had no idea that I’d ultimately learn just as much about myself and my marriage as I learned about my country.

How did MOMentum impact you?

After recovering from an illness that had no clear medical reasons nor a good chance of survival, I knew that I needed to reevaluate my life. During MOMentum’s incredible lectures, I learned about the importance of putting my husband first. MOMentum inspired me to be aware of life’s beautiful HP (Higher Power) moments. I still keep my MOMentum journal on my nightstand, and I read it often because it brings me so much joy. MOMentum gave me clarity and closure.  

Since recovering from your illness, what kinds of changes have you made in your life?

Before my sickness, I was a very angry person. I carried around a lot of my issues. But, I learned that stress can kill you and if you don’t relieve your stress, your body will show you that you need to. Getting sick was a turning point for me. Now, it takes a lot to make me angry and when I notice anger in my environment, I do whatever I can to change it.

Because of the changes I’ve made in my life, I am a much happier person today. While living in the U.S., I created and ran a nonprofit that helped homeless families get job training through professional internships. I loved it, but it was a very stressful occupation. So, today, I work in the hi-tech sector at a wonderful company. The work is a lot less stressful, and I still volunteer in my community.

My husband and I both grew up very poor, and once I became a parent, I wanted to give my children everything I didn’t have. But after not working for two years because of my illness, we found ourselves in a difficult financial situation. To minimize the stress, we moved to an older house that we can afford. More than anything, I’ve realized that my kids deserve two parents who can keep a roof over their heads. We’re all together and that’s what counts most of all.

How do you bring more positivity to your life on a daily basis?

Before my hospitalization, my schedule revolved around my kids. Then, all of a sudden, I was in the ICU and we couldn’t see each other for months. Because of everything we experienced, I no longer sweat the small stuff. If we’re running late, I don’t get upset. I know that being five minutes late really isn’t a big deal. Also, we always say, “I love you” before we leave each other. If something were to happen, I want those words to be the last words they hear from me.

Since MOMentum, I’ve found a way to incorporate more gratitude into our lives. Each time my kids or I complain, we finish our thought by saying something positive, too. For example, my daughter might say, “I got caught in the rain,” and then will complete her sentence with, “But thankfully I was able to shower once I got home.” This turns every negative event into an opportunity for positivity, and often, laughter, too.