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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Volunteerism

Are you like me?  Are you one of those people that finds it incredibly hard to say "no" to someone?  Do you find yourself running around, here there and everywhere, doing, doing, doing?  Embrace it!  Love it!  Do more!!  What do you think of that?!

I recently...say in the last year or so, had decided that I was going to "cut back" and "learn how to say no".  I called it prioritizing, I rationalized in my head that I would not feel so "crazy" if I would slow it down and take less on.  I started small, saying no to, well, I can't even remember what now, and then moved on to larger "No's".  No to baking for a bake sale, no to a committee for this or for that...but, what I have found is that I had become one of the many that sat on the sidelines, critiquing the work of those that HAD said "Yes"... uh oh. 

Control freak?  Mm.  Possibly...  Know it all?  Ugh.  Could be...I really hope not because I know I don't know it all!!  I know THAT for sure!!  Cronic Volunteer-itis?  Most definitely.  I found I could not sit on the sidelines, when the rally call came out that there weren't enough people to bake, to organize, to put on the best darn "fill in the blank here", I got a twitch, then another, then, well...what can I say?!  If it needs to be done, then, "of course I'll do it!" 

So, here I am.  In all my glory, a volunteer-a-holic and just plain ready to throw in the towel and say it!  I love volunteering and helping others!!  In this crazy, fast paced, no one has the time for anything world, I have decided that using some of that time to try to be the super-mom, soccer manager, field trip chaparone, committee chair, bake sale baker, carpool driver, and helper in the "spot that wasn't filled" is my calling.  So, bring it on!  I'm going to keep trying to find ways to help.  I'm going to keep saying "yes" and come home and try to explain through the giggles why I said I'd...(fill in the blank here)...Need 127 of something cut by tomorrow?  Sure!  Can't find anyone to have that car wash while there's still snow on the ground?  Yes, I'll think about it!  I know, it sounds ridiculous...I've got a million of 'em, but, if it makes someone ~ especially one of my own ~ happy, then, I'm there.

So there you have it.  If you're like me, raise your hands in the air like you don't care and ...well, do.  Just do.

There is a secret method to our madness, we volunteer-a-holics...we get sooooooo much out of it!  There is a feeling when volunteering and doing for others that is like no other...when you are smiling, and you see someone smile back, because of something little you did...hmm.  Priceless.

So it is time for me to grab that cup of joe and talk to you soon...  :)  Enjoy the day!!

2 comments:

  1. Sue, you are such an amazing person!!! :) If I had the time I would love to volunteer more too, it is such a great feeling to help others!

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  2. Love this one, Sue! I have "helium hand" as well and seem to volunteer for everything under the sun. But - I'm happy when I'm busy, so why fight it?? You are one of the best moms and volunteers I know - well done!

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