coming out of my shell

coming out of my shell

Thursday, June 29, 2017

A case for volunteering

Tomorrow I go to the NOW (National Organization of Women) conference. I am going with one of the other administrators from the political Facebook group I moderate for. Hopefully, we will learn practical skills we can take back and use for our Florida group. I am looking forward to it, even though I dread going. Does that make sense?

When I first joined the group, I was heartened to discover many like-minded women (and men) who wanted to create political community in a swing state. I had felt so alone in this crazy state. I needed to feel part of something bigger, even if it was virtual. Okay, maybe especially because it was virtual.  I am quite happy to stay at home.

I became a moderator for the group's discussion page in late December, and I was overwhelmed.  Uh, I had a LOT to learn. Some of us didn't spring full grown from the head of Zeus.

I had not done political work before, and I had been retired for 3 years. I was "rusty." I was afraid of conflict and confrontation. I was afraid I would be asked to do things I was not comfortable with. I doubted myself. Most of all, I was reluctant to give up a portion of my retirement time.

Because I am a notorious hot-head, I actually quit once, but went back a few weeks later. I have learned a lot about myself while growing into this role. I am thankful for this opportunity to learn and change. I was afraid those days were over. 

If you are content living a quiet life in retirement, I am happy for you (and a bit jealous). Nothing wrong with that! But if you are floundering and/or depressed you might consider seeking a volunteer gig that interests you. Volunteering can give purpose to your life if you are feeling the lack.

It can be as simple as making one phone call a day, or doing spreadsheet work from home for an organization you believe in. Or you could volunteer to go to an animal shelter one afternoon a week to play with the cats and dogs. Whatever floats your boat. The possibilities are endless.




16 comments:

  1. Honey, you have fought for what you believe in often in life. I have faith that you will make a difference wherever you choose to be. Have fun and come home energized.

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  2. Yes, they are endless. I'm getting there.

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    1. Your health comes first. Slow process, I know. However, I have faith in your ability to heal yourself. You are a wonder worker.

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  3. You are truly inspiring! I keep thinking I should volunteer and do something to at least try to effect even a small change. I haven't done a thing, but wallow in my despair over our present times. I sincerely thank you for this much-needed pep talk!

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    1. I'm no different than all the other women on secret facebook groups all over the country, posting our little hearts out. Ha! Seriously, just writing a few letters a week and sending them to your senator or congress(wo)man will make you feel like a million bucks.

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  4. What Robin said! I too need to get off my keester and do something instead of endlessly thinking about it. Good for you to stop the procrastination and jump in there!

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    1. Start small and work yourself up. It will make you proud of yourself, and you know we need that as we age. The best is always ahead of us.

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  5. To give of one's self is a great gift.

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  6. Volunteering is so empowering. I'm glad to hear you're enjoying it in retirement. I cannot wait to hear how the NOW Conference goes. Please blog about it! Maybe it will even deserve a series.

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    1. I will likely post about it on The Ondine Society collective blog (http://ondinesociety.blogspot.com/). But I will also do some variation here.

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  7. I retired. I missed people. I got depressed. I needed purpose. After 10 months, I made the big phone call. They called me in for an interview. What day(s) could I volunteer? Five years later I know that this is what I was meant to do. Life is better.

    I am so glad that you are representing so many of us women at NOW. We need you more than ever. We are being attacked by a crazy man.

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    1. So glad to hear you found meaningful volunteer work! It is hard to make that initial phone call.

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  8. So good to read. Please write about it all and I am in awe, anyway.

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    1. I will write about it. It was really interesting and I'm so glad I went.

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So, whadayathink?