I'm in a real mood...A pissy one at that! I am so frustrated! I'm supposed to be 1st Counselor in my new calling, and nothing I do, say, offer, etc. is taken with a grain of salt. I worked REALLY hard on something for a meeting, that saved (I think) a lot of time--turning what could have been a 6-8 hour meeting, into a mere 3 1/2...Do I get thanks? No...I get "well...we just want to be really sure we are arranging this correctly.............." My poor husband had to listen to me at midnight, as I came home and vented! (What a trooper!) Not only that, but I feel that some of the leaders I work with try so hard to avoid certain groupings/situations, that they are inevitably doing the youth a disservice...going against one of my favorite creeds, "Prepare the child for the road, not the road for the child..." type of thing.
I believe that some of the biggest and most important lessons learned come from those trials or obstacles that are hard or uncomfortable..Now, don't get me wrong...I'm not saying "yeah, just let the youth run amuck and figure things out on their own....", I'm just saying, I think we need to try and teach the youth how to handle certain situations that will help them in life...For, we all know that life is not fair, perfect, or easy...In planning our upcoming Youth Conference, this has been a big frustration for me.
I'm the oldest one in the Presidency, and although age doesn't necessarily mean wisdom, I feel that sometimes the "big picture" is missed...That in this day and age, the youth deserve leaders who are going to, tactfully and correctly, "tell it like it is," and not give all the textbook or "primary" answers, especially because a lot of the youth are a lot wiser than their years upon this earth!!
I may be "flighty" and unconventional, but that does not mean I don't have a testimony or a view that perhaps might be worthy of applying to the world?...I feel unappreciated, and patronized...Two things that make my type A personality cringe...
Okay...I'm done...
I'm going to go drink my "illegal" drink, and take two Excedrin....
Shoes of Yolanda
7 comments:
I would be so frustrated! I think you are a great leader and I learned sooo much from you! good luck. see ya soon
When are you coming?!!!! Give me dates!!!
Yo, I feel your pain. I also believe that the youth are coddled way too much and that our job is to train them to be leaders, not just follow us as we lead. Sometimes things go awry, but if everyone lives, someone will learn a lesson in leadership for the next round. The youth are practicing their leadership skills for when they graduate into the adult auxiliaries. Practice makes perfect!
As far as not being heard, I can relate to that as well. I sometimes feel like the invisible counselor in our presidency. It's been almost 2 years, but finally, when I make a comment, they are *beginning* to listen and or trust. The other two gals *are* gifted and experienced leaders, but they don't know me and so they feel unsure of my hairbrain schemes. They are beginning to test them out and the few we have had are successful, so I hope for more.
Don't give up. Be there for the ones who do not have a voice, the kids who are waiting for their turn to lead, and for those who look at you from afar and are taking notes. This will not be your last calling, others are watching how you handle yourself. This call is just leading to the next. Hang in there and lead well!
First of all, I have to say, I LOVE THIS POST! It's about time you talk about your real feelings! I sometimes feel like you really hold back and this was great!
Second of all, have you ever told them straight out how you feel? Have you told them you feel like they don't listen to you or take your advice to heart?
Most people try to avoid confrontations but these women need to know how you feel or they will never change. There is a reason you are there. Maybe it is to teach these ladies to broaden their horizons so to speak.
Maybe to teach you to have even more courage as you open up. I wish I could be there with you. I have been in a presidency where I REALLY struggled as you do now. I can look back now and see my part in the mess but at the time, I honestly couldn't.
Not saying your are doing anything wrong but maybe you could take the "COLOR CODE" with you next time and you all could take the test! lol That would help you all to know how to relate to each other better!! Just a thought =)
I also agree with you in that we need to teach these young women that life doesn't always turn out a fairy tale. I think what you said is right on. Sh%& happens and they need to learn to be prepared for a possible life of difficulty. Who knows?
I was amazed that you all have such a young presidency. Wild!
I wish you could call me and we could talk about it. I would love that. If you want to, let me know and I'll email you my number.
Good luck my friend! I'm rooting for you!
I'm a red...I'm betting she's a red...And the other two are probably blues or whites...
Hmmmm. That could explain it! lol I love the color code! No so I can pigeon hole people but so I can better relate and understand them.
Love your little red behind!
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