SPINELESS jellyfish!!! I can't say no. A very simple word. One of the very first words we learn as children. The one that can save your sanity when you are crazy busy. And I can't seem to say it.
I'm going to do something I rarely do on this blog...vent. Sorry. I just really need an outlet. I'm going to do this as diplomatically as possible because I know some of you go to my church. You all read my last post, right? About how crazy my life has gotten? Yeah, well, I'm officially over my head. That takes a lot for me to admit that I've finally done it and taken on more than I can handle. You see, aside from all the other craziness I've been roped into Sunday School teaching. I said specifically, "I don't want to teach, but I can be a parent volunteer once in a while." And suddenly I'm on a team, teaching every 3 Sundays. I tried. I tried really, really hard to say no. But apparently I'm a big, old push over and people don't listen to me when I'm trying very hard in my quiet, roundabout way to say no. Yes, I said quiet...see, I'm a people pleaser. Don't let anyone down. Make everyone happy! Don't make waves or make anyone mad at you. Such a bad way to live. I like to be helpful, but there comes a point when you can't give to everyone.
Yes, I know my child is in Sunday School and everyone needs to do their part. I've spent the last 4 years in the nursery volunteering and doing my part. Yes I know that there are people who are busier than me and still do more, but I can only handle so much before it's too much for me. There are enough people in our church that there is no reason why some of the people who don't do anything can't volunteer to be in Sunday School. The child care and teaching of the little ones seems to be the hardest area to get volunteers. I understand. I don't want to be involved in that area, either. I am with my kids 7 days a week all day long. Sunday School is what gives me the chance to sit and listen to a sermon without my children while they still get their share of Spiritual guidance at their own learning level. I am finally able to sit through a service 80% of the time because my kids are old enough to stay in their classes. And now I can't even enjoy that????? Seriously.
Okay, I'm done.
So our house is being listed today! Isn't that nuts? The plan is to give it some exposure on the mls (multiple listing service) and then do showings on the weekend and start taking offers on Wednesday. If there is no response, we do it again next weekend and so on and so forth until it's sold. So I have a gazillion things to do to get my house in "showable" order and here I sit blogging because I'm just too overwhelmed to start. My game plan today is to wash windows, vacuum stairs and landings, paint 3 walls that look terrible (due to the paint having changed color over the last 18 months and when I did touchups on Monday it left big ugly patches on the wall that are very noticeably different colors), clean bathrooms and finish cleaning and vacuuming the basement. If my kids let me. I have to do as much today because tomorrow and Friday will be stuff with the show home. What have I done? Wish me luck and maybe send up a prayer for me.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Hello, my name is Jellyfish!
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10 comments:
Good luck, erin, getting everything done. I know so well how much work it is. Was there only a very short while ago. If I can do it, you can do it, I have faith in you!
And I TOTALLY kwym about being a people pleaser. ME TOO. Always have been, probably always will be even though I don't always like that I'm this way. The more you don't say 'no', the harder it is to do it. I know, I know. (((great big hugs!!)))
I understand the church conundrum totally. I'm sorry you are up to your ears.
Prayers your way that you will make it through!
Learning to "Just Say No" is a lifesaver. And even though you've already said yes, there's no reason why you can't go back and say, "Look, I've thought about this some more and it's simply more than I can handle this year, but I'm still willing to help out here and there."
Good luck as you continue your busy week and start showing your house!
Thinking of you chick!!
((((((HUGS))))))
I pray you sell your house quickly and for an excellent price!! as for saying no I am still learning too~!!
I can call the church and say no for you if you want, no one knows me there..hee,hee! Hope you get all your stuff done, also hoping for a loooonnnggg possession date..(sigh) I can't believe how fast everything is going, let us know when the first showing is and we'll be sure to be outside and introduce ourselves! LOL!
Erin, Erin, Erin. Get through this week, and then at least the show home is off your plate. Put in some time in Sunday school, and next year politely and firmly DECLINE. I was thinking of you today and your busy life, not knowing that you had increased the tasks you have to complete.
People pleasers tend to get taken advantage of, and people who get taken advantage of tend to burn out. Learn to say no for your sake, but also for the sake of Jer and your kids.
Take care of yourself. Love you.
E.
I totally agree with what Elin said. That "people pleasers tend to get taken advantage of, and people who get taken advantage of tend to burn out."
I am also a people-pleaser. It's not an easy way to live, that's for sure.
Us people-pleasers need to know that it's okay to put OURSELVES as top priority every once in awhile. (I know, new concept, hey?)
Good luck with the showings...wow, doesn't seem quite real yet that in a matter of a few short weeks or months we'll have new next-door neighbors. :(
OK, I'm with Tara, I'll say no for you if you can't. If you want my opinion, you need to call the head of the sunday school and tell her that you are very sorry, but you made a mistake and you just can't do it.
I used to be a people pleaser that never said no too, but I've learned through the years that sometimes you just have to say it! Practise in front of the mirror, look at yourself, say NO, NO, NO!!! Then get on the phone and make the call!!
Bless you my dear!
i second the motion made by bonnie and tara.
btw -- can you babysit shiloh for me next week? monday, tuesday, wednesday, thrusday and FRIDAY. all day? ;) ..........JUST KIDDING. (just trying to get you some "no" practise.)
Wow, that's busy! I hope you make it through still sane, still happy, and that God gives you loads of patience with your kids as you work on all that other stuff.
About Sunday School, I have somewhat of the same issues, I always feel like I SHOULD teach just because I have a kid in SS. However, this year was easy for me to say no because I'm having a baby! Actually, this year they didn't even ask. But I too generally have a very hard time saying no. Sounds like there are a lot of us out there!
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