Dear Reader,
I'm not signed up for an official volunteer opportunity right now, and lately I've been chastising myself about it. My very first volunteer job, when my husband and I moved to Sarasota, was assisting homeless people who wanted to get their clothes washed while they showered. When I decided to leave that position I moved on to other volunteering opportunities. But lately I've been feeling guilty, because right now, I'm not volunteering anywhere. And I've been asking myself, 'Suzanne, why aren't you volunteering and doing your share to help others?'
The first excuse that came to mind was, 'I don't really have any extra time.' My immediate retort, 'But isn't that what most people say? If you really want to do something Suzanne, you can make the time. It's all about choices.' And that's true. But when I took an inventory of how I spend my time, I realized the needs of my family have changed, at least for now.
So I've decided to stop feeling guilty, and instead remind myself that right now I'm volunteering in my own backyard. I'm trying to be the best wife, mom and grandmother I can be, and that means spending quality time with my grandchildren, continuing to be Mom to my grown children taking their calls when they need someone to listen, working on fun projects with my husband, taking care of our rescued cats, and devoting a little more time to myself, too. Because if I'm a happier, more well adjusted person, then I'll have more good stuff to share with other people.
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
* Congratulations to the winners of The Lonely Hunter by Guest Author Aimée Lutkin: Melanie S., Brenda G., Dawn M., Sheri M. and Birnie M.
KIDSBUZZ: Click here to discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win.
Comments