Christmas Time

It’s that time of year again. Since Christmas is here with all of its joys, I want to take the time to ask a more serious question. What is the real meaning of Christmas? Is it the lights in the windows, gifts under the trees, stockings hanging down, receiving cards in the mail, dinner with family and friends, snow all around, saying "Merry Christmas" to those passing by? Is this really what it is all about?

I don’t believe it’s about Santa Claus and his reindeer landing on the top of the house, him coming down the chimney in the middle of the night, eating the cookies left out, and leaving loads of presents behind. I know it is fun to receive and give and decorate and wrap and believe in magic. But it's about the real meaning of Christmas.

Many people don’t have the money to buy gifts for others or have the resources to put together big family get-togethers. It may be a time of sorrow because of it, some sense of misery in a deep knowing that they might not be able to give all they want. There are some that are saddened when thinking of loved ones with which they might not be able to see.

I’ve learned over the years what Christmas is and isn’t about. Christmas can be a season of great joy. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. It's about the love, passion and the praise that we give and receive on this one day. It has a special meaning to everyone and I think more people need to find their meaning. For those of you who celebrate Christmas, I hope this year you all can find the true meaning of Christmas in your hearts.

Jenni
"Wherever you go, whatever you do, may the joy of the season always be with you."
-Anonymous

Letting Go and Moving on

Life is all about change, no matter how much we want things to stay the same. I learned this throughout my experiences after my accident. However, as much as I didn’t want things to be different, I had to realize that sometimes change is okay and in order to accept it I had move on. I found there is an important difference between giving up and letting go.

Some of us, if not all of us has their own painful experiences throughout life. Many of us like to hang onto these things, often bringing them up in ways that are hard to handle. What we don’t know is that by hanging onto those things or experiences can destroy your life in ways you’re not even aware of. It’s best that you let go of them and move on, even though it may be hard to let go of someone you love or something you value. It might even be a situation that dramatically changed your life.

One way on how is to stop worrying about what you have to lose and start focusing on what you have to gain. Decide that no matter what is happening in your life to be happy; not because everything is perfect but because you deserve it. It’s not always about trying to fix something that’s broken but maybe it’s about starting something over and creating something better.

Jenni

 

 “Moving on doesn’t mean you forget about things. It just means you had to accept what happened and continue living…” -Anonymous

Post Accident Reunion

Nick, Myself and Chris

 

Many of you know that I was in a car accident, but you may not know how the accident happened. I don't remember anything about it; only what I've heard from others. I guess we were going 60 mph and trying to make an exit. We were in a mini SUV and it rolled. The top of the car hit some sort of sign or pole in midair, crushing the roof in, and then landed back on all four wheels. It was a single car accident.

There were five of us in the car and I was behind the driver's seat. Although I did break my neck and injure my spinal cord, it could've been a lot worse. I did have my seatbelt on, which probably saved my life. The other four people in the car sustained mostly minor injuries except for Nick who was sitting next to me; he also broke his neck but didn’t injure his spinal cord. Everyone has recovered and they are doing well.

On December 9, 2017 I hung out with Nick and Chris Somers. Chris was one of the firefighters who cut the roof off the car using the Jaws of Life; it was his first extrication. Engine 3 was the first truck that arrived and he was on it. Both Minnetonka and Eden Prairie fire departments were involved. This is the second time all three of us have been together; the first was August 2016. Although throughout the years Nick and I have kept in touch multiple times since the accident.

I’m glad that we are still in touch after all the years. It amazes me how things and relationships can come out after something like this happens. I’m grateful for everything and appreciate the positive friendships that continue to grow. There are so many more opportunities out there, whether it’s hanging out with friends, creating new ones, or inspiring others. This is also why I continue to stay positive and continue to move forward.

Jenni

"… Forgiveness has given us the gift of peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding. We were chosen to receive our particular experiences. We were chosen so that we could then show others how even the unspeakable could be survived. Surviving ultimately means thriving." -Insert from the book: 52 Ways to Live the Course in Miracles by Karen Casey

Having Strength

This sign hangs above my doorway. It just proves how strong I am just by the biblical meaning of my name!

I always thought of myself as being a strong person, especially after I had my accident. The strength that came about wasn’t just from physical or mental, but from others encouragement towards my recovery beyond. It gave me peace of mind knowing that there were people helping me to get through the tough processes that got me down. These are some of the reasons why it’s easier for me to help others in need get through theirs as well.

This is one of the main components to why I try my hardest to get out and do public speaking. To encourage others that no matter what happens, life can go on. That despite your current situation there may be other solutions to a problem. It brings me to my conclusion that things happen for a reason. I’ve always tried to maintain this positive outlook and share my presence in life.

I can’t even count how many times I’ve done public speaking events or spoken to others. My favorite is talking to kids; they have so many questions and are very curious. Plus I get to teach them at an early age that even though someone has a disability, it doesn’t mean they don’t have abilities as well. I have even gone back to my elementary, junior high and high school to speak.

My motto is to believe in the ability to figure things out. There will be a better tomorrow, even if it’s a struggle, be okay with it, and over time things will work out. By bringing the fun into the situation proactively, even if I have those feelings of doubt, I’m patient and allow myself to be persistent in my action as well as move past my struggles. While loving others in similar situations, I amplify and respect them; accept them for who they are and appreciate the differences.

Jenni