New Perspectives

Didn't sing with the praise band at the early service - instead sat on the other side of church and sang there. Had a chance to speak to people I haven't had time to for a while - since I usually am getting ready for the next service. And I didn't attend two services - which allowed me to go to an early movie with my family.

One friend who is a volunteer-extraordinaire herself predicted that I won't be able to "say no" to volunteering after six months because I'll be bored. Don't know if "bored" is the right word.

The big question for me this month is "will I feel guilty" for not stepping up when there's a need. In the past, the only times I dropped out of volunteering was when we were moving to a new location or when I was busy with a new baby. Without what many will consider a legitimate reason for refusing to volunteer my time and talents, will I still be able to be part of my groups? Will I be seen as selfish? More importantly, will I feel selfish and guilty?

I'll be formulating these ideas into some questions for others this month ... how tied up is our identity with our volunteer activities?

New Year - New Resolution

2010 ... the year I said no... to volunteering.

This resolution wasn't made lightly or even recently. Back in June 2009 I had a dream about doing this project.

For the entire year of 2010, I am not singing in the choir, serving on a board, offering to help with fundraising, etc.

What I am doing instead is:

• research on voluntarism
• changing perspectives by trying new things
• trying to find where my true passion for volunteering lies
• recharging my own batteries
• paying more attention to the personal relationships in my life

I hope you'll join me on my year-long journey/project. I'll be asking questions about your volunteering experiences along the way.