BRIPOSITIVE CHALLENGE

#11. Make a friendship bracelet

On my trip to Tanzania 2 years ago, I had a handful of heart-melting moments. Moments so pure and sweet that I felt like I was melting into the universe. Two of these moments involved friendship bracelets.

The top 2 bracelets represent the one from my little brother, Evans. We were at our community day, where the whole village came out to learn about HIV/AIDS. We had yarn for the children to braid bracelets for each other. My brother came up to me with a set of navy blue, hot pink, and baby blue yarn. He simply asked me to hold the end as he braided the strings. When he finished, I asked to see it… Before I could, he tied the ends around my wrist and said to me “zawadi” (present in Swahili). I was heartbroken when the bracelet broke a year later, so my sister and Bri gave me these bracelets to remember the one from Evans.

The beaded bracelet is from an orphan we met at the Babati orphanage. We were exchanging dance moves all day long as the rest of the kids sang and played music. He had smooth Michael Jackson moves as I rocked the Tanzanian “motorbike” dance style. At one point I briefly said to him “I like your bracelet.” (I learned that this is not a normal compliment to give ppl in TZ.) After parting ways, I was already 500ft from the orphanage when I heard my roommate yell “VIVIAN!!!! I HAVE A SECRET FOR YOU..” She had something in her hands, but told me she promised not to give it to me until we returned home. I immediately knew what it was…. Seeing their homes and knowing how little they have, I was incredibly touched that he still found something to give me. I ran back to the orphanage and gave him my SIC bracelet. I’ll always remember his sweet smile and smooth moves :)

The yellow bracelet is the one I made for #BriPositive. It’s for my mei, Sara. You are my sunshine <3

BRI POSITIVE CHALLENGE

The recent passing of a family friend was a harsh reminder of how fragile life is. I still can’t comprehend how I feel about her death. It ranges from sadness, to anger, regret, guilt, and concern. But mainly…. I feel love. Love for her, family, and life.

Today I did 3 more things off the Bri Positive challenge, with my rafiki (“friend” in Swahili), Dan. We drank root beer floats, climbed a tree, and danced like no one was watching. These things.. so simple and mundane, made me feel so ALIVE. Drinking a root beer float again made me feel like a kid. Just pure happiness we don’t usually experience anymore.

If you haven’t already, do some things off the list. It is so invigorating and soul-healing to take a moment for yourself.

“Don’t wait for miracles to happen in your life.. your whole life is a miracle.”

BRI POSITIVE CHALLENGE | VIV

#10. Run 5 miles (One for each year cancer free!)


I’ll admit that I was a little intimidated to run 5 miles. After all, I haven’t ran since my marathon 6 months ago. But then I remembered the most important lesson I learned from completing the marathon….

It doesn’t matter how many people say ‘No,’ as long as YOU say ‘Yes.”

So I said “Yes” and started to run. It felt great to run again, and to celebrate Bri’s 5 years being cancer free!

Always choose to go BIGGER.

Stand Up | You are not who society believes you to be…

I thought this was a good follow up to Kristen’s post this morning. Here’s an example of what society thinks of you, and what you know to be true. Stay true to your heart and stand up for yourself.

Dear Self…

How many times in the day do you criticize yourself and fill your mind with insecurities?

This may seem vain, but I dare you to take 5 min and write a letter to yourself. And be nice. I’m not talking about a journal entry, or a blog with ramblings of your thoughts. I mean a real letter.

It’s important to spend some time to raise self-awareness and let your body & mind know you are loved. Love yourself first, and the world will love you back.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

It’s a week of huge advancements for Alzheimer’s Disease! In light of our #AVoid Book Project, to contribute to Alzheimer’s Disease research, we are excited to share these awesome new developments with you! 

Awesome news #1: According to Scientific American, 3 recent studies have revealed a clearer picture of Alzheimer’s than ever before. The new technology lead to the discovery of a protein that builds up plaque on a patient’s brain. Of course, there’s still a long way to go, but a small step is a step nonetheless!

Awesome news #2: President Obama has joined the fight and is bringing the rest of the country with him. HuffPost & NYT reported that the Obama Administration is about to increase spending on Alzheimer’s research by $80 million. Alzheimer’s Disease is no joke; We’re glad President Obama is recognizing it and doing something about it.

Awesome news #3: After hearing all these cool advancements, don’t you want to advance the Alzheimer’s Disease research yourself? YOU CAN! Only 3 days left to submit a photo of a treasured memory along with a donation to be featured in our book, AVoid. More info here! 

Always go bigger,

Denise
 

My personal story with Alzheimer’s disease..
elliphantom:

My Handsome Grandpa

I never saw my grandpa like this, tall an athletic. By the time I was born, my grandpa had survived 2 strokes and was in his early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Despite his memory loss, we developed a close bond. He’s the reason I love 客家 food, the reason I love San Diego day trips, and the reason I love being a Peng彭.

In high school, I went to visit him in Taiwan. At that point, Alzheimer’s had taken pretty much his whole memory. My mom, sister, and I walked into his room and greeted him. No response.

But then I felt someone hold my hand…. and it was my grandpa. No words were exchanged. He just stroked my hand and cried. At that moment, I knew he remembered and loved us.

I am lucky to have gotten that last glimpse of recognition. But for many people, that recognition never comes back. Let’s do something to save our memories. Join the Big or Bigger movement and donate a memory of your First Love.

Master Class with Emerson Aquino

Emerson Aquino- Hip Hop

Saturday , January 28th 
@ Starting Arts Studio 
(3340 Montgomery Dr, Santa Clara, CA 95054)

Beginning Class- 10:00-11:30am
Inter./Advanced Class- 12:00-1:30pm

Co-Founder and Executive Artistic Director of Funkanometry SF Dance Company. Emerson has trained and danced with groups such as 220, Anarchy, and Culture Shock Oakland.

Class is only $15, and $5 will be donated to Dance for Canswer!

Cheers, MLK!

Creating positive change is simple. It starts with one dream, and one voice to bring it to life. Today, more than any other day, we are reminded to dream BIGGER.