How Does Jo Do It?

I was recently asked the question, "How do you explain Jo's ability to be joyful and have such a good attitude regardless of what happens?”

Rather than answer this myself, I thought it might be insightful to find out how a few of Jo's close friends would answer. Little did I know that one explanation would be as eloquent and heartfelt as what you are about to read.

Earlier this year, our very good friend Staci Giovino gave the following invocation at her Rotary club.

Jo is a former Miss Texas, a world renowned line dancer and choreographer, a wife, a mother and my very dear friend.

Jo has been afflicted with what some would consider devastating health problems, all the while carrying herself with grace, never complaining – even when her bones could not support the weight of lifting her infant daughter – and always, always caring more about others than herself.

One night at dinner with friends, we asked her how she could manifest such peace given all the adversity she faced. She told us that every morning she woke up and chose her life exactly the way it was, and exactly the way it wasn’t. That may be a little hard to wrap your head around, so I’ll say it again: She chose her life exactly as it was, and exactly as it wasn’t. In doing so there was no room left to feel sorry for herself or to dwell on how things “should” be, and gave infinite possibility to being present and available to others.

As Rotarians we commit to “Service above Self,” but how many of us have already complained about something today? This is a gentle reminder to choose what is, get present, and create ample space in our hearts and minds for all of those people and causes whom we are privileged to serve.