Many moons ago, on the Burning Man playa, a friend of mine came into camp and gave me a Wonder Woman doll that he found laying in the dust. Whenever I look at the doll, I feel inspired. I think, “Yeah, I can do it. I’m just like Wonder Woman!”
Well those days are long gone because I can’t do it all anymore. I’ve spent my whole life giving, contributing, and leading, and it’s finally time to say NO!
Clearly this is all my fault because too many times in the past, I’ve said yes. But this is a new era and I’ve decided that 2013 is going to be the year of ME.
ME, ME, ME, ME! That’s right, just me!
I’ve got a house to sell.
I’ve got a ghost baby to conceive.
I’ve got a blog that is finally (after years of hard work) gaining significant momentum.
That means no more time for alumni councils or alumni functions.
Sorry, but I’m sure others can step in to help with our 20-year high school reunion. Why don’t we just pick a night and have drinks at the Forbidden Island in Alameda? Zero stress, zero planning.
I’ve got to curtail my time commitment to Burning Man. That may be the death of me, dealing with new volunteers and responding to questions about shifts and the schedule and tickets. Yikes!
I’m also big on group events. More bang for your buck, if you ask me. But what drives me batty are the people who can’t do the group lunch or the happy hour, and next think you know I’ve got emails asking for a 1×1 dinner or brunch. At least until my home is sold, I cannot deal with the 1x1s. I’ve got a handful of things scheduled over the next two weeks, but that’s it.
I’m on lock-down until my house is sold and the cash is in my hand.
Krimey
I know what you mean. I went to a Bunco night last night with some old friends and it had been waaaay too long since I saw them. I used to say yes to EVERYTHING but the more terrific people I meet, the more I realize that I need to really craft the life I want and carefully choose the people I want to spend my scarce free time with. It’s been hard to say no but it’s also so nice to really *really* want to be with the people I hang out with.
This year’s resolution is to fine tune the process even more.
Hugs!!
Catherine
Yes, I need to fine-tune the process for sure. I’m someone who likes spending time with people and it’s always a good time whether they’re a best friend, close friend, or distant friend. But something has got to give and I need to get better on balancing doing what’s best for me (most important) and accommodating others.