how have YOU changed the world?

At this time of year many of us celebrate the birth of one person that changed the world in matchless ways. As I look at my life, I have to wonder how I am changing the world. Someone once told me that when you walk into a room you can either take away or add to the room. I think this stands true in the world. Each day we have the potential to change the world. It is up to us to decide how we are going to do that. We can either assist the world in its downward spiral, or we can revolutionize and leave this earth better than when we entered.

As usual, I am going to be referring to a movie today – “Pay It Forward.” This movie is more meaningful and powerful than any movie I have seen in a long time. One small boy changed the world by performing a big act of service for three different people. This act of service had “to be something really big. Something they can’t do by themselves, so [he would] do it for them. Then they would do something for three people… It gets big really fast.” Let’s be honest. Sometimes, life truly stinks. It is easy to get caught up in the frustration of unjust teachers, the constant threat of pollution destroying our world, or the discouragement of a lonely Friday night. But despite those things, we cannot give up trying to change the world for the better. Changing the world is hard. It “requires an extreme act of faith in the goodness of people.” If we decide to give up, “everybody loses.” Everybody. We have a chance to win, but that chance evaporates if we surrender. Although keeping the faith in ourselves and others may be hard, it is the only thing that can save us from this stinky world. So, in an act of faith, let us do something for someone else and hope they “pay it forward.”

And that’s what Jenny thinks.

Sing

As inhabitants of the world, we often add needless complexities to our Christmas celebrations. Someone has even written a book on how to simplify Christmas. Sad, I know (but seriously, my mom is reading it). I was lucky enough to watch my first Christmas movie of the season at 12:00 AM on December 1^st. Yes. I am a devout Christmas celebrator. I watched one of my all time favorites – Elf. Aka Will Ferrell at his very best. I learned that there is no better way to simplify our Holiday seasons than by following Buddy the Elf's example. He enveloped himself in the simple joys of life, and shared his appreciation for life with everyone he met. It was through the simple things – snuggling, syrup, singing, running through a revolving door – that Buddy found his boundless happiness. I think Buddy the Elf had it exactly right –

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”

Now, some may believe that the only way to truly obey Buddy’s counsel is to burst out into song wherever you go. Although that is preferable and extremely entertaining, it is unnecessary. We have so many other ways we can “sing” this Christmas season – a chat with a long-lost-friend, a thank you note, smiling at a stranger, helping someone with a meal, cleaning someone’s dishes, etc. Not only did Buddy's voice ring loud and clear, but also his smile, service, and most important his LOVE. It is my belief that everyone can grasp that same happiness this season. I know that if I keep Buddy’s spirit close to my heart, I can and will make a difference this Christmas season.

And that’s what Jenny thinks.

DON'T PANIC

*Disclaimer*

I am starting this blog so I can express myself. I could continue writing notes on facebook, but when I write stuff on facebook, I feel like I am only looking for comments or “likes.” Starting a blog motivates me to write for me and it is also a type of journal for myself as well. Although I hope those who read my blog enjoy it, it is first and foremost for myself. Sorry, but that’s the way it has to be.

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I left my beloved P-town on Tuesday. But before I was able to leave for the weekend, a woman stopped me in the student center, surrounded by six children (I assumed they were grandchildren). She seemed stressed and with a frazzled look on her face, asked me if I could direct her daughter to the visitor parking on BYU campus. I spent the next ten minutes on the phone with her daughter directing her to BYU. I was so glad I could help. It only lightened her burdens, but mine as well. And it didn’t matter that I had knocked my schedule back an extra ten minutes, I was able to serve someone and guide them to where they wanted to be.

This weekend I also watched “A Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.” It was hilarious. Seriously, I’m surprised I didn’t pee my pants…. Despite the hilarity, it sparked my thinking. Arthur was given one simple book that could tell them what to do in any situation, and on the back was written “Don’t Panic.”

I am particularly grateful for guides this week. I have been blessed with parents to help me make decisions, the examples of my friends that teach me to do the best things, and a religion that is a guiding light in my life. We can find guides wherever we go - people, places, books, quotes, movies, belief. Isn’t it wonderful that we don’t have to do everything by ourselves? Like the hitchhiker’s guide says,"Space is big. Really big. You just won't believe how vastly hugely mindbogglingly big it is. I mean you may think it's a long way down the road to the chemist, but that's just peanuts to space, LISTEN!"

Space is big. Life is big. And the influence we have on each other is big. I am so grateful for the wonderful guides and influences in my life. I hope I can remember to help and guide everyone I know to becoming their greatest selves, because really, that’s what we are here for. If I can’t do direct my friends in some monumental way, the least I can do is remind them, “Don’t Panic.” We are all here for each other, and I am grateful for that.

Now if only someone could guide me towards which team to cheer for this Saturday… maybe I will wear purple...?

And that’s what Jenny thinks.

Newsflash

Last night, my roommate, Neoma, and I indulged ourselves in a “single ladies” themed night as our other roommates frolicked about with persons of the opposite gender. We began by doing our homework, but the real party started when we warmed up the oven, baked us some pizza rolls and dished ourselves an extra-healthy portion of Brownie and Nut icecream from the creamery. We learned all about “the perfect man” in none other than the classic Hillary Duff chick flick, “The Perfect Man.”

For me, it was just a fluffy chick flick (that doesn’t mean I didn’t like it) until Hillary Duff’s wise love interest said this,

“Newsflash: EVERYONE’S SCARED. That’s no reason to run away.”

It hit me. In an odd sort of way, I have lived by this quote the last week or two. Until recently, I hated college social life. I always wanted to go home, and never really had any reason to stay in Provo except that I should stay in Provo. My very wise mother finally told me “You can’t live like you are stuck there. You have to live like you chose to be there, because you did.” I realized that each weekend I went home to Salt Lake, I was running away. I wasn’t physically stuck in Provo, but my mentality was stuck in a fearful, discouraged state. It was easy to runaway, so I did.

Each time we are faced with a challenge, we mustn’t stay still. We have to act. I know that we will never be placed in a demanding situation where we don’t have the strength to get out. The only way to conquer a challenge is to face it head on. We have all sorts of weapons to help us – laughter, smiles, faith, friends, family, chocolate, etc.

I am officially unstuck. I have enjoyed meeting new people and look forward to meeting more. I took the initiative to be myself and reach out. Instead of declining all of my offers to socialize at BYU, I accepted and embraced every one (despite my desperate need to do homework). Now that I have become unstuck, I hope I can help unstuck others. I am known for speaking my mind. So although I am usually the only one expressing my discouraged attitudes, I know there are others out there that feel the same way. This goes out to you. This blog also goes out to all y’all that helped me conquer this challenge. Thank You.

And that’s what Jenny thinks.