and unexpectedly, I made 25 insanely out-of-this-world friends in 4 days. All coming from various geographies, backgrounds, and experiences, all going to different areas on the globe. From Buenos Aires, Rwanda, to India, somehow a shared spirit brought us to New York this week. I sure as hell did not expect to say “I love you” and “I miss you already” 4 days later. That said, I know I’m right where I need to be, and I knew the minute I walked into orientation on Monday.
Monday began with the following quote: “It is not your duty to complete the work…” I stopped reading and thought, “What? This is odd. I don’t have to complete the work? 20 years of psychotic number-fixation through GPA’s, standardized tests and AP classes, you’re telling me I don’t have to complete the work? Seriously?”
I read on, “Neither are you free to desist from it” (Pirkei Avot 2:16 Ethics of the Father). A calming sensation crawled over me.
“It is not your duty to complete the work. Neither are you free to desist from it”. I nodded my head forcefully as if I felt the rhythm of the words connect with my soul. As a big picture thinker who likes to see results and tangible outcomes, this released me. I became free of my definition of “work”, of “impact”.
I’m going away for a year to serve the Jewish communities of the Baltic’s (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania), and the obvious overarching goal is to make an impact. This quote made “impact” ambiguously flexible; which for me, is a good thing. Instead of impact, I’m now focused on “process”. And enjoying it. Taking the pressure off seeing physical results, instead recognizing small successes and allowing those to direct me forward.
The first 30 minutes of orientation held a major epiphany useful for the next 365 days. Did I expect it? Absolutely not.
And every minute thereafter was full of small realizations and rhythmic soul connections that were unexpected. I walked away from orientation feeling full, whole, satiated in my head and my heart. I’m driven for a deeper purpose beyond myself. I’m driven for my friends, my family, my cohort, JDC, BBYO, the Dallas community, KU, North America, Tallinn, Estonia, the Baltic’s, the world. The responsibility and pride runs through all of these sub-communities; and I hold myself accountable to be the best me while enjoying the process and rolling with the unexpected.
I do, however, expect great things from my new 25 friends around the world! Links to their blogs to come soon.
Until next time,
Jenstonia
:: jenstonia :: 