Monday, May 12, 2008

Emotional Needs


Your intellect may be confused,
but your emotions will never lie to you. ~ Roger Ebert


Hello - remember me? I used to blog at least a couple of times a week. My goodness, life has felt very out of control since I last wrote anything. I didn't have time to post my Friday Five (which was going to be about mothers.) I feel like I've barely had time to catch my breath. I realized late yesterday afternoon that I need to take control again and slow things down. I don't like feeling this frenzied!

But when I have had a moment to think, I've been doing some important internal work that I'd like to share. Some of you will remember that I was waiting to hear about a job I very much wanted, as the volunteer coordinator at our library. Well, I didn't get it. I was ok at first, but as the days went on, I grew increasing sad about it. And I began to wonder why. I've certainly been turned down for jobs in the past: why was this one getting to me? Hence, the soul-searching.

I realized that I was looking forward to working again for the following reasons:

1. To be part of something bigger than my little world of homemaking, quilting, gardening, etc.

2. To work for a "cause." With a few brief exceptions, I've always worked in the non-profit sector, and the more purpose-driven the organization, the better I liked it.

3. More social interaction with like-minded people.


I've spent time over this past week, thinking of ways I can get these same needs met without going back to work full time. I've committed to some activities that I believe will help:


1. I've agreed to serve as chair of the Education Foundation Committee for our local branch of the American Association of University Women. I've been a member for a couple of years now, taking part in the various personal interest groups like the Daytime Literature group and the Good Health group (which I lead.) But this responsibility will get me more involved with the mission of AAUW, which is advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. There's a good cause if ever there was one! (Find out more at their website: AAUW.)

2. I start training at the end of this month to become a literacy tutor for adults. I've always had tremendous respect and admiration for those adults who can stand up and say that they don't know how to read, and want to learn. I look forward to introducing motivated individuals to the world of reading street signs, newspapers, books, etc. Again, what a great cause!

3. I'm joining one of our local quilt guilds tomorrow. It will be great to meet other woman (and men) who are as passionate about this hobby as I am. The group I'm joining offers opportunities to participate in charity quilting, as well. We'll see: it might be fun just to ooh and ahh over the work the more experienced quilters produce.

And you want to hear what a small world it is? There's a wonderful quilting blog I love to read called Needled Mom. Turns out Mary lives right here in my county, just miles from my house! We're hoping to meet in person tomorrow at the guild meeting.


So, there's my plan for meeting my current emotional needs. I'm hoping that by getting that part of my life in order, I can pay more attention to my physical needs, as well. But that's a subject for a different day!

[As an aside... you may have noticed that I've posted a new photo of myself. The previous photo was taken a few years ago, when I was at my Weight Watcher thinnest. I hated using it here, since I gained the weight back, but I didn't have a more current photo -- until yesterday. That's me as I am today: overweight but loving life and laughing as often as possible!]

How about you? What are you doing to make sure your emotional needs are being met?


Until next time...

13 comments:

RunningNan said...

I noticed the picture right away. I love it! You are beautiful!

I'm glad to hear that you are getting out there and fulfilling those emotional needs. That's always a good thing!

Erin said...

I spend a lot of time with my children, and sewing definately fulfills the space that used to be taken up by mass amouts of eating and cooking!

Hope you are having a great day!

Felicia said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new photo!! Arent you just so pretty!!!

I love this post. What I love most is how you were able to see outside the immediate. You see your whole big picture and are doing something about it.

Keep up the inspiring work!!

Have a wonderful day!
*huggles*
=0)

jillytacy said...

Pattie,
You are awesome!!! I love the photo and the honesty you approach life with. It's great you recognize that you don't like the path you're on and you decide to take a break and go in the direction you want to go in. I'm sorry you didn't get the job but it's great that you've figured out other ways to get what you want!
I just joined my local quilt guild too. I have my second meeting tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it!

Needled Mom said...

Thanks for the shout, Pattie. I, too, am so looking forward to meeting you tomorrow.

Don't worry about the library job. My sister applied after retiring this year and she didn't get it either. She had worked for years and was looking for something to fulfill her needs too. I can't imagine what their qualifications must be.

See you tomorrow.

Cammy@TippyToeDiet said...

It's a wonderful picture! I want to hang out with you and see that smile every day!

Good for you on taking such great advantage of a closed door. Your new activities are interesting and important, both to you and others. I hope they bring you joy and satisfaction!

Hanlie said...

Gorgeous as ever! You could illuminate a city block with that smile.

You know, I think we pay too little attention to our emotions. We tend to gloss over things and they go and sit in our fat cells. So well done for examining your emotions and identifying the areas that need work. I applaud you!

Manuela said...

I thought I was on another blog because of the new pic (your hair is darker and you're wearing glasses in this one)but, you have the same winning smile!

I'm sorry about the job and I know how hard it is (I didn't get a job that I was perfect for because I don't "know" anybody). You just keep looking and know that the right thing will come along but it looks as though you've got plenty of new things going on. Wonderful!

Sunny said...

This post details exactly what your blog title is all about. You are so right - attitude DOES change everything! Have an awesome week.

Sunny said...

This post details exactly what your blog title is all about. You are so right - attitude DOES change everything! Have an awesome week.

Ready Maid said...

Sweet Pattie,
Your inspiring nature shines through every pixel of your new photo! Thanks for sharing.

I'm vicariously thrilled with your new affiliations with AAUW, literacy and the quilting guild. You obviously have so much to offer, and in return for the seeds you sow, I'm confident you'll reap a harvest of emotional support.

As for meeting my own needs, I'm learing from this "healthy living" journey that life offers many more options than I had previously acknowleged. Last week was a terrific example of learing to enjoy new things: hiking, biking, birding. It was a thrilling adventure.

Lora said...

Sounds like you have some lofty goals there that should fill you up pretty well! As for me....filling myself up emotionally? Umm...not happening right now. Trying to juggle between the two houses - looking madly for a job (after all those years as a SAHM I have to work now) and taking care of a 3 year old....well - there's not much time for me. But I AM getting into this Cto5K thing and making it a priority. I feel so good after I'm done!

Let us know how your meeting with your fellow blogger goes! How cool!

We should ALL meet some day!

Holly said...

Hey Patti! Good for you for taking care of yourself!!! Love the new pic :)