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My Vision for Go Big!
On March 7, 2008 my life got turned upside down. I was unexpectedly diagnosed with a brain tumor which was so not on my to do list! Equally unexpectedly, I had neurosurgery on March 20 and the results of the biopsy indicated that the tumor was benign. Thank God! Along this journey, I have taken solace in the fact that this is a huge opportunity for us all.
I am a clinical psychology doctoral student at Vanderbilt University. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to make a huge difference in the world. For a couple of days, I actually feared that I had wished this scary and chaotic experience on myself and my loved ones, but then I was reminded that "life prepares life" and it all started making a bit more sense.
In a whirlwind of pre-operative appointments, Dr. Kyle Weaver, my neurosurgeon, told me that I should "hold onto my blood" which was a huge blow to me as I try to be a regular blood donor. Without skipping a beat, however, my advisor, Dr. Bruce Compas, made me an offer to "pick up the slack" which I believe was the impetus for this whole GO BIG challenge as it struck me then that perhaps we can all be doing just a little more.
As a person who hopes to make a profession and a life of helping children and families, I'm committed to helping others in the best way I know how. Consistently, I work with parents and children teaching them to praise the good and ignore the bad. Not my idea, but it is a behavioral principle that works. Now, don't get me wrong--I'm not blind to the evil in this world. In fact, I'm struck by our culture's fascination with drama, hurt, despair, and scandal. It absolutely blows my mind that these negatives suck so much of our attention that we can relatively easily forget all of the 1000's acts of kindness that are going on right this very minute.
My hope is that this website can be a central location for all of us to capture all of the really awesome things that we are already doing and that we can all be inspired by each other's goodness. It's not an original or courageous idea (although some have called it that), it is just an opportunity to do something that I've always wanted to do. And, I'll bet that if I'm anything like you, I'm just doing the best that I can in this moment. Sometimes that means that I offend people. We are all imperfectly perfect and I know that that is where the true beauty lies.
There are no absolute rules because I couldn't possibly predict the creative and imaginative ways that we can each help one another. Well, that's a lie. There is really just one rule: do what you feel in your heart! Try not to feel like what you do doesn't matter. It does! If you don't believe me, read the postings for yourself and see what you think. To somebody in that moment, you will have made a difference and for that I am eternally grateful.
So if you feel it in your heart or your head or whatever pushes you to act, try to do something. Nothing is too small and nothing is too big. Just put one foot in front of the other, and if you wish, take a risk.
Overwhelmed with a sea of emotions and an outpouring of support from our community, Austin, the love of my life, and I have felt so very blessed. I believe that there is always meaning out there in this precious world of ours, sometimes you just have to squint to find it. This past several weeks has been a truly rock ride and my guess is that life always will be. So, step aboard if you are up for the challenge and let's see how far we can get this good to spread.
With great gratitude,
11 comments:
Happy Easter, Jenni!
Kindness received: We had a few friends over last night who surprised us with snacks and nice bottles of wine to celebrate our new place. It was really thoughtful.
Hope you're feeling wonderful and taking in some sunshine, Jenni!
Yesterday I went into Hobbs to try to get some work done, but I felt a little guilty that my dog, Lily, was left cooped up in the house by herself. It was a gorgeous day outside, but I didn't have time to take her on a long hike. I decided to go home to get Lily and the longest leash I could find. Then I drove back to campus, hooked her leash up right by the porch of the new Commons, sat down with my laptop and some articles, and the two of us basked in the sunlight all afternoon. Lily was thrilled by all the sights and sounds--and exceptionally fat squirrels--of the Vanderbilt campus. I got a little bit of work done, but more importantly, Lily and I both enjoyed the beautiful day. :)
Happy Easter, Jenni!!
I hope you're recovery from surgery is going smoothly :)
There was a story in our local news the other day that warmed my heart and that I thought you'd enjoy. A local woman won $330 during a contest held by the local tv news station. Rather than spend the money on herself, she spent it on groceries and spent this weekend baking/cooking/preparing a full Southern-style Easter dinner for 5 families in her neighborhood who would otherwise not have celebrated the holiday with any special fanfare.
Her generosity reminded me of you and of the challenge to Go Big. I'll be trying to Go (even) Big(ger) this week in your honor!
Kari B.
Happy Easter!
On Friday, my brother split his leg open and had to get stitches. I played the "older sister" role and got his stuffed "Hippo" ana a pillow. I thought he was happy. He felt a lot better!
Happy Easter, Jenni!
Colby came home from a friend's house the other evening and reported that her friend's family goes to church with you and prayed for you over dinner. So, you are in the hearts and minds of many, many of us whose lives you have touched.
My family and I are playing host to a friend of ours who is visiting from out of town for a couple of days, and she unexpectedly bought us lunch today, which I thought was very kind. Your wonderful site is inspiring me to think about and do more kind deeds each day and also to remember to keep in touch with my spirit.
Thinking of you,
Shelly
Hi Jenni, Happy Easter, here are some little acts of kindness that I've done with you in mind - tonight flying back from Michigan I asked gave the flight attendant all my Southwest drink coupons (4) and asked her to surprise customers with "Go Jenni" free drinks. Yesterday I surprised a parking attendant with a generous tip. Small acts of kindness but definately wouldn't have done them without you!
Hi Jenni,
Garrett came by today, and gave us
the wonderful news that your surgery went really well and you're recovering nicely. So happy and thankful to hear!
I want to let you know that I'm making a donation to the National Brain Tumor Foundation in your honor;
www.braintumor.org. My college
roommate's son was diagnosed with a
brain tumor 3 years ago, and he's
also doing really well. Their family gives to and gets support from the NBTF, so I thought I'd post this information for anyone interested in making a donation in
support and honor of you.
Take care!
Love, Karen Sklar xo
I talked with a guy who just got out of the hospital and who was for the time homeless. We talked about him needing to make sure he got himself back on SSI, about where he was going to stay, I bought him some chips, gave him a little cash, he washed my windshield. But honestly, it wasn't what I did for him. It was what he said to me. He said, you tell your man he's blessed to have you. And he meant it, in a real, kind, way. Now, it is true, I am painfully single. But so? This guy was sweet, and he made me feel wonderful.
Happy Easter Jenni, sending you LOVE!
Happy Easter, Jenni! I hope you have had a good one--surrounded by the ones you love!
An update on going big:
On Thursday, I ate lunch at McDonald's. I paid with a 10-dollar bill, and, for a moment, thought I would just keep the change for myself. Then, I saw the Ronald McDonald House donation bin and put the change into it.
Yesterday, my dad had a stomach virus. My brother and I went to the grocery store to get Gatorade and popsicles for him since that's what he wanted.
Kindness received:
I had home-cooked food this weekend (and some might say too much of it). My mom loves to cook when my brother and I come home. It was delicious--the best I've had in a long time (and that even includes food from some of my favorite Nashville restaurants). I am thankful for her love for me, and I am blessed to have her as my mother.
I thought of you much throughout the day and shared the Joy of your successful surgery in my church this morning. This evening, a couple I know was planning a gathering for Easter and were hoping to invite some homeless men to join them in their house for the meal and fellowship (they've done this in the past). I was invited to join, and though this would be very new for me, I agreed and prepared some food for the dinner. Unfortunately, due to bad luck and some challenges, after 2 hours of looking, there were no extra guests to bring to the table. We still had a lovely evening together and had conversation about homelessness. It got me one step closer to going big!
Happy Easter, big-big-big!
I am so happy to hear that you are back home and doing well. Adrian and I have been thinking of you a lot and trying to get in good deeds each day. Today we saw a homeless man on the side of the road and pulled over to give him some money. He had a really funny sign- he was dressed like a 49'er and had a sign that said "I'd rather be gold mining." He deserved an especially good Easter for that!
All of our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery!!
Lupe and Adrian
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