Making a difference

I have this thing about making a difference in the world around me. Do people care about making a difference any more? I was actually sounded out once to see if I wanted to get involved in local government, ie. as a council candidate. This immediately followed a comment something like “gee, I didn’t realise you actually cared about the community”. My response was “screw you” and I didn’t take up the offer. Most people do not understand their own capacity for making a difference. I just raised more than $6000 for a charity just by going on a diet. OK, I had a publicity device at my disposal that helped somewhat, but the point is I did it because I could. Being a self-centred shameless self-promoter came a distant second, I’m sure.

My question is, what difference are you making?

Nice to meeting you

Have you ever noticed how powerful meetings are? Much of my life revolves around meetings. Meetings with staff. Public meetings. Meetings with teachers and parent groups. I have so many meetings that I have to treat my private life the same way – make appointments for meetings with my family members or friends. This works OK, until you start missing meetings, double booking meetings or just plain forgetting meetings. What I needed was a personal organiser. I received a HP Ipaq for Christmas. It was totally defunct in 36 days (they would have replaced it within 30).

There are different kinds of meetings. I went to a public meeting this week that had a really positive vibe and should lead to some good outcomes for a lot of people. But some people just don’t understand meetings. They have little conversations despite all pleadings to stay on the subject and listen to other speakers. These people want the meeting for a social platform. I wish they would stay home, or at least conform to what good meetings require.

Some people hate meetings. This can, however, be used as a tool. A meeting can actually be something you do to somebody. “That’s it…..meeting……now!” “He was causing trouble and wouldn’t do his work, so I meetinged him.”

I am suffering, however, from meeting overload. I had four really intense meetings – lasting hours and really important – in just 48 hours. I hear no sympathy from any of you. Thanks for nothing!

Nice to meeting you.

From the jaws of defeat……..

Do you ever feel defeated? I don’t often feel that way, but every so often the thought of potential defeat pops in to the mind. If this sounds arrogant, read my profile and catch up.

Life is full of uncertainties. I have days (hours sometimes) when I feel on top of my game, enjoying the challenges that come and go, day in, minute out. If life was easy, it would probably be boring. Any idiot can live an easy life. I like the challenge. Give me something impossible and I’ll show you how to make it work. At a profit. Twice. Give me something easy and I’ll get it done. At the last possible minute. If I have to. Why do you think I can solve an intricate staffing problem but I can’t get the housework done. If I could make housework life and death it would be done before you are out of bed.

 A supermodel once famously said “I don’t get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day”. It’s almost like I need crisis to get out of bed. Thank God I have deadlines. Without those I’d be comatose. In my favourite novels (I’ll share them with you another time) there is a phrase that goes something like “how do you hurt a man who has lost everything? Give him back something broken”. Like hell. Give me back something ruined and I’ll turn it in to ice cream, and you’ll like it.

If only I could infect those around me with the feelings of satisfaction, of achievement, that I get from being good at what I do. If only they could feel the pleasure I feel. If only I had the power to make the changes I would really make … if I could.

These things will have to wait for another day, when I am feeling more positive and have had less red wine to drink. What is important is that I am here.

Over time the darkness in my posts will come and go. I hope to exorcise my darkness here….I hope it brings you pleasure.