#415: SPOTLIGHT: Jennifer Salopek
#415: Jennifer Salopek
January 28, 2025
A Backbeat of Community
Question for Jennifer:
What is one significant and lousy decision you made that accidentally resulted in some positive indirect outcomes?
Jennifer's Response:
This question gave me pause, since most of my significant and lousy decisions have been just that, lousy! I am certain that I learned (a positive indirect outcome) from each one, but at the same time I am hard pressed to tangibly describe the benefit. Perhaps because the lousy factor engenders embarrassment in my recall!
In any case, the sub-zero temperature today reminds me of a spectacularly lousy decision. I was working at my first real job, intense work, grueling schedule, vertical learning curve –perfect! My father had been reminding me to wash my car during the winter months to protect the paint and to keep the gas tank full to prevent freezing within the engine. I wanted to heed his cautions but never seemed to find a time for the wash. I unexpectedly found an extra pocket of time one afternoon on the way back to the office. I could not believe my luck – no lines, a special offer and near my office! My car looked beautiful. The paint glistened, still wet from the wash.
It was well into the evening before I finished work and returned to my clean car, which was now covered in ice. The doors were frozen shut. I was too embarrassed to call anyone for help and too scared to ask a stranger. I decided to walk to a nearby Wendy’s to get some hot water to melt the ice. Although it was not far, I was wearing my work shoes (my boots in the car as you may have guessed) and it did not take long for my feet to freeze, making the hot water transportation a bit tricky. Everyone at Wendy’s was so kind and they did not charge me for the cups or the water. I made it back to the car, poured the scalding hot water on the handle, lock and inside the door as best as I could manage. With some jimmying and many prayers, the door opened! I jumped in, started the car and to my grateful amazement, the engine began to roar. Now there was just the matter of closing the door and I would be on my way. In the time it took me to open the door and start the car, the door latch had refrozen, helped of course by the water I had generously poured all over it. It would not seal. Again, instead of calling for help (I had made it this far) I wrapped the seatbelt through the armrest and around my shoulder clutching the clasp in my hand and set off. I did not live too far from downtown, but the safest route, at that time of day, included a few miles on the freeway. I made it, but it was a terrifying experience. In addition to the wonderful positive outcome of making it home, this series of poor decisions taught me several important things:
Do not be too embarrassed or proud to ask for help from the people you trust.
When evaluating safety, make certain to consider all the angles and challenge yourself that you do not have flawed assumptions in your assessment.
Have contingency plans/resources for as much as you can so that when you encounter a set back /curve ball, you can save your energy for the really big ones.
I am still working on all three. :)
I suspect Jennifer would love all direct responses from you. I find it incredibly encouraging when I hear from any of you after I share my thoughts. It is powerful for me. I assume many others have a similar experience. So here is Jennifer's email… pip
Amanda's thought…
Jennifer, as someone who tends to struggle during the brutally cold winter months, I absolutely felt your pain during this series of events! But I admire that you took this frosty day from years ago and dove deep into self reflection. It also left me thinking about the importance of leaning on people for support, even strangers! Though at times that can feel uncomfortable to do. Thank you for sharing, Jennifer!
- AP