Tuesday, January 08, 2013

Resolve 2013: Know Thyself


"continuing the resolutions tour"

Please welcome, Linda Mercury to my blog and learn her thoughts on volunteering. 

Know Thyself, by Linda Mercury

In January, the energy of the New Year propels us into fabulous, new adventures. Everything from volunteering for two years in the Peace Corps to helping out once a month at the local library appeals to our awakened thoughts. Just like any adventure, though, volunteering needs some preparation.

Volunteering has a dark side that no one admits. If you choose the wrong fit, it can lead to burn out, cynicism, and tears all around. Check the organization first. Make sure they don’t use volunteers for a task that needs skilled labor.
For example, I know my way around a glue gun, but I would not trust myself to handle anything that needed to be seriously secured. Frivolously secured, sure. Seriously? Nope.
Then, before you sign up, check yourself. Are your emotional boundaries healthy and strong? Do you get sick easily? How well do you cope with frustration and angry people? And here’s the kicker – are you getting enough sleep?

Once you are sure your resources are in order, dive in! There are a million and one ways to make the world a better place. It’s heady, exciting, and wonderful. Enjoy!



Author of the Blood Wings Series from eKensington

@LindaMercury1 on Twitter

Bio
Linda Mercury left behind her varied careers as a librarian, art model, and professional clown to pursue writing. She’s interested in writing, romance, Middle Eastern History, reading, organizing, cooking, hand-made silk Turkish rugs, and the Nike of Samothrace.

Here is a list of all 9 bloggers and their resolutions:

THE RESOLUTION TOUR - January 1 - 9, 2013



Maggie Jaimeson - Take a Vacation
Jessa Slade - Get Organized
Paty Jager - Volunteerism
Linda Mercury - Creating a Literary (or Creative) Life
Jenna Bayley-Burke - Eat Healthier
Cassiel Knight - No More Procrastination
Cathryn Cade - Take Time for those OTHER Creative Passions
Su Lute - Reduce Stress: Find and Follow Your Bliss
Jamie Brazil - Shrink My Closet 

The best way to support authors you like is to friend and fan them on social media sites. If you enjoy the posts from this tour please show your appreciation by liking or becoming a friend or fan. Thank you for stopping in and visiting.  

4 comments:

Jamie Brazil said...

Linda it's been great getting to know you. Where did you work/ travel when you were in Peace Corps?

Stephanie said...

I really enjoy this blog series. Very good suggestions to look at before we jump into volunteering.

Jessie said...

Yes you are so right, I have had some bad matches with some of my volunteer experiences. But I have always learned something and tried to be wiser when I made my next volunteer choice.

Linda Mercury said...

@pollidog - I never did do the Peace Corps! I have always seen it as the ultimate volunteering opportunity.