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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,
25 comments:
We will be with you in spirit today, Jenni.
Hugs and love,
Bekki & Phil
I saw this while I was in line at the UScan at the grocery store last night - A woman ahead of me finished checking out and somehow, despite the many warnings of the UScan machine, managed to forget her change from the cash dispenser. The boy ahead of me, maybe 16 years old (?) went to her machine and noticed the cash as he was checking out, dropped his things, and ran out after the woman to return her change.
Thinking of you :)
Kristen
Read and liked this quote from an Australian aboriginal woman:
"If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together."
Peace and love to you today, Jenni!
I was driving to work this morning and a van suddenly swerved into my lane, almost hitting my car. My initial reaction was one of anger. At the next red light, the driver pulled up next to me, rolled down his window and apologized. He told me he had a lot on his mind and asked if I was ok. This gesture immediately erased my anger and put a smile on my face. Jenni you have inspired us all to try a little harder to put a smile on other's faces.
Love and prayers!
We're thinking extra of you in Virginia Beach today, Jenni! I'm about to get outside to enjoy the sunny weather and will be sending all of my positive energy and thoughts your way.
Kari
Jenni
We send lots of love and prayers from Santa Fe. The community of Satchidananda Ashram,Yogaville are sending their prayers your way as well. You are an inspiration to so many.
With Love
Todd's Aunt Meg, Uncle Billy, Allie and Noey
Jenni we're thinking of you here in Albuquerque. We will all focus on positive things laugh and smile more this week.
Jenni,
We send you much love and best wishes for a speedy recovery!
May God hold you in his arms of love and protection tomorrow through out your surgery and recovery period.
Love Always,
Auntie Abby and family
My office has boxes and boxes of unused binders and folders from a research study and today we arranged to donate them to an underprivileged school in the neighborhood.
Lots of love to you Jenni! You are a rockstar.
Jenni,
You are one courageous woman. My prayers are with you and your family tonight and tomorrow and into the weeks to come.
Love
Katie
My random act of kindness rang my doorbell this afternoon. A young woman had locked her keys in her car,along with her cell phone. She was on her way to see a client and realized that she was on the wrong street. We tried to get the car unlocked to no avail. I finally called the AAA and they came to her rescue.
Jenni, My thoughts and prayers will be with you tomorrow.
Love,
Kathie
Jenni - Laurie Resch and Cyndy Williams donated blood on your behalf yesterday at Cedars Sinai. We are all thinking about you positively and sure the surgery will go well.
All the best, with love, Laurie and Ron, Cyndy and Les
Jenni-
We are praying for you! We love to see your smile and are proud that you are a youth counselor!
Love,
Junior High Class
Hi Jenni!
Today, instead of having my kids do another test prep packet, I had them perform a kind deed instead. They each wrote a complement to every student in the class. I hope it brings a smile to their face tomorrow when they get to read them...just as you've brought a smile to my face so many times.
"Big O" and I are praying for you all day everyday!!! We love you so much!
Amy
Jenni, just wanting you to know that I have been sending positive thoughts and prayers/love out to the universe for you, you are an incredible woman, the epitomy of courage, grace, and inspiration. FYI my usual self centered narcissistic ways have been challenged by your request for kindness, and I try hard to do something selfless every day "for Jenni". Recently helped a colleague whose car "got booted" and offered to help a church member who is overwhelmed clean her house. Thanks again for your inspiration! Sheryl Margolis
Jenni I am thinking of you so much and praying like it's my job!! Speaking of jobs, it's my job to be treasurer for a children's rights group on campus, but I couldn't figure out the tangled web of funding for the life of me! So, two awesome girls took an hour out of their day just to help me figure out how to fund an event. They didn't have to, they just did. So sweet. Jenni, you are going to rock that surgery like you rock this world -- brilliantly! xo
I'll be thinking of you, Jenni, and sending all positive thoughts. I wish you a very successful surgery and quick recovery.
My attempt to give blood didn't give so well since I have a cold, but I will try next month! I made a donation to Save the Children in your honor. Thanks for being inspiring--you are truly amazing!
Love,
Lisa
On my plane ride to Nashville, I assisted my neighbor (a single mother traveling with a 14 mth old and 3 yr old from Hawaii) by holding her 14 mth old while she went to the restroom with the 3 yr old. There I was...with a little baby in my arms comfortably sleeping while thinking about Ms. Jennay!
Maria
Very positive and loving thoughts are going your way tonight, Jenni.
Love,
Lynette
Jenni, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I will be thinking of you all day tomorrow.
Love,
Marissa Lavine-Weiss
Prayers and thoughts for you tonight and tomorrow, Jenni. :)
Jenni, we will be praying for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery!!!
Love your cousins,
Jason,Leanna,Sabrina,Sierra and Sophia
I
Kindness received: My boss granted a request to take a day off from work on Friday (even though I only made the request today). I was ecstatic because I need this day to travel home to see my Mom, Dad, and brother for Easter, and I also needed a short break from work.
Jenni,
I've been spreading the word about this website. You are in the thoughts and prayers of me and my family.
Angela
Jenni,
I met your parents last night at Tayst, and judging from the brilliance and beauty they exude, I know you must be just as grand. My heart is with you today!
Dustin
Jenni,
You are in my thoughts and prayers today.
Sarah Mathiesen
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