I keep wanting to call this DOTTSYED (Do One Thing That Scares You Every Day)--so forgive my if I get confused. (Ed. Note: or, apparently, if I forget how to use English.)
My scary thing today is going to my board meeting tonight. My last four years on the board have been filled with nothing but conflict and strife. I have only fifteen months left to go in this, my second term, and I really cannot wait until I'm done. I've thought about quitting, but that's not the kind of person I want to be.
I don't like conflict. I know there are people who thrive on it, who are good at it, people who don't get sick to their stomach at the thought of a confrontation. I am not one of those people. BUT--I know that I am on the school board for a reason. I know that I bring a unique perspective to this service, as I am married to a school administrator, am a mom, and taught advanced math and English for nine years before I started my family. I do tend to look at things from the teacher perspective first and foremost, but I believe I have a broad viewpoint. I love this little school, and I want what is best for the school and its children. Always.
So think of me tonight at 6:30, when I head off to my board meeting. It is scary for me to stand up for what I believe in and for what I know is right...
8 comments:
Courage, courage... the world, the school needs your voice.
Good wishes to you.
I know what you mean about quitting. I have been on the Board that I am on for 10 years. I was contemplating quitting when we got a huge some of funding from the government which will allow us to rebuild and expand the facility. Unfortunately, that means a TON more work and committee work to boot. Apparently I did well, they made me Vice-President, which means next year I am Chair. Can't quit now. But I'm still thinking about it. Like you, I bring a unique perspective, having been a client as a child. I just don't know that I have the time it deserves any more. (sigh)
i agree with elizabeth--the world needs your voice. there are so many people in the world that just don't care. and then there are people like you.
much love to you. i hope things went well!
Good luck, you will make the difference,
Andrea
I see it like this, YOU are a gift to them, and they are a gift to you.
I get all twisted up inside when it comes to confrontations too. Never learned how to deal with it as a child except to cower.
Okay, so now I'm 52 and still feel like I'm 8 at times when it comes to this stuff.
One way I attempt these type of situations is to ask somebody from Heaven (Jesus, my dad, Our Lady, etc.) to go first, ahead of me.
I visualize myself walking behind them into a room.
It calms me.
I really like the DOTTSYED
idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'll try it!
Victoria
ps. I wish I could go to the meeting with you, but will be there in spirit rooting for you:)
Ooo multi talented! I don't like 'public speaking' either, nor conflict. I should probably go on a facilitator / mediator course so that I could take charge better, let everyone have their say, build consensus....in my next life maybe.
Best wishes and fingers crossed
I'm late on this Karen, but I'm wondering how it went and how it felt to stand up for yourself? Good for you!
Ummmm...I just read your next post and found out. Glad it went well, and that you got through it :)
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