By the time this column goes to print, I’ll likely be packing a bag for a little mini-holiday weekend, hopping a plane or two and heading down to Texas.

When last we visited with my little brother, he was bound for a tour of duty in Iraq.

As often happens in the military, that has since changed and thankfully (as combat operations end and civil combat begins in that country) he’s been pulled from that assignment.

He is, however, being sent abroad for a time of one year and I’m going to miss knowing he’s tottering about in the states, so I’m headed out for one last weekend, some quality time with both of my brothers before one heads off to a brand new front.

First off, to be honest, I am grateful for the plane alone.

For the layover in the airport, for the day spent in between.

I love traveling and, as it happens, this little break couldn’t come at a better time.

And as I’ve mentioned before, symbolism is like my favorite sweater and I am all wrapped up in it these days.

In accordance with the Jewish calendar, this is the month of Elul.

It is a month dedicated to introspection and reflection as it builds up to the season of high holy days, the Jewish new year and Yom Kippur, included.

It’s the time of year when, before we can ask for what we hope for in the new year, before we ask for forgiveness for what we have done in the past, we have to take inventory of who we are and what we’ve done and what we’ve come to be as people.

It’s when we make little hash marks in our mental ledgers and marginal notes about where we may need to stock up.

Like in compassion or fortitude or balance.

It might sound rather unremarkable, but think about it.

When do you ever set aside a block of time and really reflect on the person that you are?

If you’re like me, you’ve got a little voice in the back of your head nagging you a little bit at a time, day by day but here, this month, is solely dedicated to looking at oneself in the mirror.

And in true journalistic fashion, I am going to cram a month’s worth of introspection into a four-day weekend — just to get it done by deadline.

Though I plan to relax and enjoy my short time away, I’ve also given myself the assignment to do some pretty deep thinking.

There are upcoming projects that I want to find a way to dedicate myself to more fully, fears I must overcome and personal relationships that I must evaluate and re-evaluate and a sense of balance to aspire to.

And I can’t help but sense that everywhere around me is a new front for me and for the people around me.

Maybe it’s a renewed sense of awareness; maybe it is a cultural thing. We are, of course, always evolving, always changing as a society and a culture.

Maybe it’s natural progression.

Whatever it is — wherever you are — I highly suggest the act of taking a stock, settling in and figuring out not just what you want in the coming year, for wants can be acquired, but more importantly what kind of person you want to be.

That, after all, takes practice.

Jessica Sieff is a reporter for Leader Publications. E-mail her at jessica.sieff@leaderpub.com.