For each dinner or "goody day", I have to send emails to families asking for food and drink donations as well as help with set up and clean up for the events. These emails are starting to sound more and more like begging. Lots of fundraisers and other activities are going on with the school, so I think people just get tired out from it and not everyone likes to cook and bake -- this includes me. But onward I go trying new dishes or asking for gift cards from local business to fill our tables.
The theme for this conference was "4th of July in February" - all done by me. We did a cookout with my husband at the grill and got donations of sides from many local BBQ type eateries and a few generous families. It seemed to be a big success! I got lots of compliments after and still received some today as I walked the halls of school heading to my own son's conference with his 2nd grade teacher. It felt good even though it is almost impossible for me to take a compliment. I am shy and usually don't like receiving them. This, along with my depression mean I really really wonder IF if did a good job, IF the staff really liked it, IF the food and presentation was good enough, IF IF IF!!!
I doubt myself and talk myself into believing, "Oh, well it was just ok." or "Someone or something else must have made it better or could have made it better." Honestly, this self-doubt goes for just about anything. My husband tells me I look good - doubt it. Someone likes my sweater - Really?? I need to change this but having been this way my whole life it's going to take some time. Just part of my new journey I guess.
I doubt myself and talk myself into believing, "Oh, well it was just ok." or "Someone or something else must have made it better or could have made it better." Honestly, this self-doubt goes for just about anything. My husband tells me I look good - doubt it. Someone likes my sweater - Really?? I need to change this but having been this way my whole life it's going to take some time. Just part of my new journey I guess.
Last fall Katie and I manned the skillets at a pancake fundraising breakfast for the Athletic Boosters. I can tell you as one of those mom's that gets those "begging" emails, I am so appreciative of women like you that are willing and able to put in time to do things like you do. There is no way I could organize something like that, so I'm thrilled when I get an email offering me a smaller opportunity to pitch in. Manning the skillets made me feel good about supporting Mikayla's soccer team, but it wouldn't have happened without the Mom's that put in endless hours planning, advertising, emailing and gathering all the many items needed.
ReplyDeleteSo, the next time a teacher or parent compliments you on these efforts, take the compliment. Then work your way up the thinking, "Yeah...I rocked that!"