The value of having tools to live by have long been recognized by Jews and was originally passed along as an oral tradition dating back to 5th century BCE.

Around 200 CE, the Mishnah, the first key written draft of the Jewish oral tradition, was created by Rabbinic Judaism.

The Mishnah's function is to be a tool, a resource, for decisions to create laws. It is thus an addition to the Bible and a first of its kind.

There are many other rabbinic writings that followed for three more centuries, referred to as the Gemara. The Mishnah and the Gemara combined are known as the Talmud.

The teachings of these traditions, written by well-respected rabbis, are represented by the examples of actual cases being brought forward, discussions on the subject and the resulting decisions.

The intention supporting these decisions is to ultimately reflect the underlying spirit of mitzvot (the 613 commandments of the Torah and seven rabbinical commandments) and to show their practical application.

One Mishnah, by Shimon ben Zoma, particularly resonates with me: “Who is wise? He who learns from all people. Who is strong? He who conquers his evil inclination. Who is rich? He who is satisfied with his lot. Who is honored? He who honors others.”

I've also learned and had the opportunity to apply some valued personal tools.

Recently, during a life-threatening ocean event, I got to see how my training as a coach, including the practice of focusing one's energy toward an action which best supports a positive result, may have saved my life.

My sister and I were enjoying a beautiful day along the Maine coast, in separate kayaks, when a storm suddenly hit just as we approached shore. We were instantly blown out to sea.

Fighting to stay afloat in huge waves, I lost sight of my sister and immediately began entertaining panicky thoughts referred to as monkey mind.

Within moments, I recognized my need to shift my attention toward and keep focus on the demands of the present, seeing that I had a single valuable purpose in the moment — staying afloat.

I used my precious energy nearly two hours, constantly paddling to keep the boat directed into the waves rather than alongside to keep the boat upright.

Whenever my mind strayed in the direction of a scary future, those monkey-mind thoughts, I gently shifted back toward the present.

Thankfully, my sister and I were rescued by the local Coast Guard.

I see that knowing my life's intention to be physically fit and healthy, which had led me to a regular practice of upper- body workouts, certainly served me well during those paddling hours.

I could not have known that training to become a coach — learning tools to help others move forward in their lives — would have such a profound effect upon my own life.

I am honored to have received life tools from those who have gone before me and hugely grateful to be here to write these words.

Nancy Laura Joseph is a certified life coach.