Dear Readers,
When I was in college studying Human Services, in my classes we talked about something called "INTENTIONAL WORK ". Intentional work means that you use your whole being to pick something that you like to do. Otherwise, the work is not considered intentional.
This month, I had a few experiences in which I felt the intentional work of people around me. Let me share.
The first experienced I had was at the culmination of the ADA 25 Chicago Celebration. There I had the privilege of seeing Itzhak Perlman play with the Juilliard Orchestra. It was amazing to see and hear the intentional work that was before me. Whether it was talking about the ADA or just playing music, I could tell that Itzhak wasn't just doing his job, his heart and soul was in it! After the winter break from dance this year, I couldn't get my body to do what I wanted it to do, but then I thought about Itzhak and how he never seems to give up. I said to myself, "I can't give up." That's how I feel about the people who organized the whole concept of ADA 25. The whole year, they were looking for ways to make a difference to be intentional, and change perceptions about people with disabilities. That really means a lot to me and others with disabilities because we feel that even though they were small steps they were wonderful steps in the right direction and a great example of intentional work.
Another example was at my Temple on Martin Luther King Weekend. During this time I had the experience of celebrating this holiday with a nearby church. Though we are different religions and may pray differently our communities came together for the greater good to honor a wonderful man. I think if he was alive today, he would be very proud of the intentional work our two communities produced that night. I truly believe that evening, we were one community.
I cannot end this post without talking about a friend of mine who dances with me, his name is Kris Lenzo. He is a double amputee but more importantly he's an artist, and he doesn't let his disability interfere with his life. Besides being a terrific dancer, he works out at the gym serval times a week and does hand cycling to stay active. He has amazing strengths both inside and out with a loving personality, plus a sense of humor that draws everyone to him. He's an amazing advocate for people with disabilities. His latest project is working with his daughter to create a documentary film series to change the idea of what people may think about people with disabilities and drawing awareness to their true skills and talents. Like me, he's a strong believer in helping the world to see that everyone can dance.
Finally, I would like to share an important story that even though it's not a personal one, it is a wonderful example of intentional work. I'm referring to the 3 E Love International Day of Acceptance. The creator of 3 E Love decided to create a day in memory of his sister, who originally came up with the concept behind 3 E Love AKA Embrace, Educate, Empower, Love Life. The Wheelchair Heart symbol. This helps everyone to see that we are all human at the end of the day. January 20th is a day for the creator to remember his sister and a day where all people with disabilities can feel accepted and be proud of who they are. This is a very special day to people with all types of disabilities. My only wish is that one day we can live in a world where there doesn't have to be recognition for acceptance and it can be the norm. Though we have gotten very far in the past 25 years, we still have a long, long way to go but if we didn't have these experiences and the people that made a difference we wouldn't be where we are today and for that, I am extremely proud and grateful. Good job to all those who have done and continue to do, intentional work everyday. Just remember as we go through 2016 together we can make a difference!
~ Jessi
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