Heroes; "Talk to More" Workshop
They say that in these uncertain, stressful times we're all looking for heroes. That may make us think of Superman and Wonder Woman and other superheroes, but also about firefighters and police officers--those that are, rightfully so, said to be heroes. I believe that we're ALL heroes in our own rights, and I often turn to everyday heroes, who probably don't think of themselves that way.
Pondering that all started this week when I was thinking about listening--REALLY listening, I mean. I was thinking about it mostly because I don't think I do it very well. I thought about my brother-in-law, who does it better than anyone I've ever met, and wished I could do it one tenth as well as he. Then I started thinking about all the other people who have influenced what I do and how I do it--or strive to do it. Not in big, flashy ways, but as just a little nudge or whisper in my mind in the stressful moments when I want to better handle a situation. When I've vented (well, whined) long enough about a tough or infuriating situation, I think of Mary Wegner saying to me, years ago, "All right, but what are you going to DO about it?" When someone needs just a sympathetic ear I think about Carole who patiently listens while I was mutter; when problems and stresses seem to be stacking up I think about Ann, who also has a positive spin on just about anything, Marcia and Sue are constant steady reminders to be always cheerful and helpful.
There are a hundred different heroes in my head, stepping forward to help when I need it. And when you work with the public all day every day, there are bound to be some stresses that come up in the midst of the real joys you can experience when working with the public. I hope you have as many heroes, and I hope SWILSA can function in that way for you, at least sometimes. --Karen
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