Technically, the #atozchallenge is off on Sunday's. But I'm doing two posts, so I guess I'm cheating all around.
National Volunteer week begins today. When I got off work I did some googling and twitter hashtag searching to see what the buzz was on this event. Most of the stuff I found were encouraging people to get out there and volunteer. Yes, that's important. Everyone should volunteer. But uh, let's first appreciate our volunteers.
Volunteers are people who give freely their time and energy to give back to an organization they feel passionate about. The key word in that sentence? Free. Volunteers are not paid. They offer whatever gifts they can offer at no charge to the organization. Anyone willing to do this obviously has a good heart and head on their shoulders.
As a volunteer coordinator I can tell you this: volunteers are amazing people. It doesn't matter their motivation for volunteering, or their frequency. No one signs up to volunteer somewhere because they are Oscar the Grouch 2.0. They do it for a much better, higher reason. Some are trying to better themselves, some just want to give back. But they all have a heart of gold and a true compassion for people.
Personally speaking, I love my volunteers. I once heard someone say "The last good thing that may happen in a person’s life is a hospice volunteer". I cannot agree more. Sometimes all a patient needs is a visitor. I treat them like they are my own children sometimes, I like to make sure they are all happy and I'm proud of them when they accomplish something. I recognize that they have busy lives outside of volunteering, and it is truly an honor that they give up an hour or so each week to service our patients. The cool thing is, they all do totally different things for our patients. Some do pet therapy, some just companionship, some respite for the families, some read, some play music. And they all truly let their gifts shine.
I am blessed to work with volunteers, and it has helped me to learn more and more about people and the way we interact. It has opened my eyes to good in the world, which we all need. So thank you, to "my" volunteers, and to all volunteers across the world who give their time and energy to make a difference in others lives!
Now, to those of who have though "I should volunteer" but have not gotten around to it, what the HECK are you waiting for? There are so many opportunities out there! Here are some ideas for you to get started.
Well, you could be a hospice volunteer-here's the thing about being a hospice volunteer: it's the most fulfilling thing, and yes, it can be sad, but it is also an HONOR and a PRIVILEGE to be in someone's life during the last few weeks/days/months of their life. You will learn so much about life and people, and yourself. They need as much compassion, positive energy, and encouragement as they can get, and you have the opportunity to give it to them! Find your local hospice, call their volunteer coordinator and ask what the requirements are. And if you're in the Michigan/Ohio/Indiana area, you should just call me and we'll talk :) My organization allows volunteers 14 and older in the office, 17 and older to visit patients.
Hospice volunteering isn't your thing? There are SO many other opportunites out there people! I could list 293012931 of them. Instead, I'll give you some sites where you can narrow down what you are looking for.
www.volunteermatch.org
www.dosomething.org
http://www.1-800-volunteer.org/1800Vol/OpenIndexAction.do
Get out there people! Speak your love, speak it again, speak it again.
PS: To all my fellow volunteer coordinators out there, I raise my glass to you. Happy National Volunteer Week!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Mercy Volunteer Corps: The Afterlife.
I had so many options for my "m" post. Lots of my favorite things start with M- mommy, music, memories, Michigan, mimosa's...the list goes on and on.
I chose...Mercy. More specifically, Mercy Volunteer Corps....life after Mercy Volunteer Corps, actually.
Note: For those stumbling on this blog due to the a-z challenge, MVC is a full-time lay volunteer program offering placements in the continental U.S. and Guyana, South America for a one or two year commitment. Mercy Volunteers serve in Education, Health care & Social Services. Volunteers commit equally to service, a simple lifestyle in community, and personal and communal spiritual growth. (taken from www.mercyvolunteers.org). I did a year of MVC in 2009-2010. I was placed at a high school in Detroit.
In a few months I will be talking to this years group of Mercy Volunteers on life after MVC. It's going to be a little strange. Last night I was surrounded by Sisters of Mercy at a ceremony and began to ponder what exactly I will say to them...here's what I came up with. Whether it's what the MVC staff is looking for, I have no idea.
If you had asked me in 2009-2010 what the most difficult part of Mercy Volunteer Corps is, I may have said balancing community and ministry. Ask me that now, my response is: ending MVC. I'm sorry- transitioning from MVC. Because it doesn't ever end. It will stay with you for the rest of your life.
The few months toward the end of your service through the few months after are a very strange time. You're trying to wrap your head around your experience, trying to say goodbye, while also planning for the future. Some may know what they are doing, some may not. I was in the "may not" category. I think both are difficult, but I can only speak from my experience- it was hard. You are applying for jobs, figuring out what kind of job you even want, planning on moving forward with no actual plans it all. It gets frustrating when people ask you over and over and over again what you're doing when you do not have an answer.
My advice to those going through that now- it's okay to not have an answer. It's okay to live at home for a few months and discern your next move. Do not sit in front of your computer 8 hours a day and apply for jobs. You need to live a little, too. You have to wrap up your year the best way you know how. I was lucky in that my service was at a school, so they were ending with me. I could walk out after that last day of summer school and know I wasn't leaving anyone behind just yet. But I was worried for the future of those kids- I felt like I had put my entire heart and soul into it and then it was just gone from my fingers. But you can stay involved. I advise to take baby steps. Take some time away. Keep in touch with your supervisor or a former co worker, keep those connections going. And, again, don't be afraid to let it go a little bit at a time.
As far as community goes, cherish those final weeks. Encourage each other. Pray with one another, share meals. I was personally very, very close to my community and was sad to see everyone go their separate ways. Do we talk all the time? No. Do I pray for them every day? Yes. Regardless of how hard you try, life WILL get in the way- but it's not the end. Continue to email them once in a while, swapping memories of your year together.
The main thing about leaving Mercy Volunteer Corps is that we all want to find ways to continue living the Mercy values. You don't have to be living in community and holding spiritually every Monday night to keep on being Mercy. Here's how I found ways to connect: getting involved in my parish by co leading the youth group; working in a job that I can honestly and truly call a ministry; and connecting with the Sisters of Mercy by making the decision to become an associate. Association is not for everyone, and I understand that. You can still connect with the Sisters, or still find ways to live Mercy. Sometimes you have to take a deeper look within yourself to find it...but it's there. It was there the day you decided to send in an application to MVC, and it has grown through your experiences with the program.
I can 100% promise that each of you made a difference this year. You may not realize it. You may not have felt it. But you did. A community member, someone you served, a sister...heck, it could have been someone you graduated high school with who heard you were doing a year of catholic volunteer service and thought "wow, that's cool, I should volunteer more". You never know. That's the power of mercy and MVC. So leave knowing you did something, knowing you played a part in writing MVC's story.
I guess to sum it all up, don't rush ending MVC, and be sure to end it in a way that fits with you- if you need to write a letter to people you worked with, do it. Need to have one last spirituality night? Organize it. There are ways to accomplish whatever it is you need to do. As for the future- if it's known, great- congratulations, go for it and do your thing. If it's unknown, take some time. It will come. You have God and the Sisters of Mercy on your side- you are in good hands.
That's what I'd say to them. On a personal note, life after MVC has been interesting. As I mentioned, I've found ways to keep it a big part of my life. I'm also helping to screen applicants for next year's round. I like to stay as active as possible in MVC because it gave me so much enrichment and wisdom for life. I am still close to several sisters of mercy and am headed to become an associate this fall. I work for hospice, and that in itself has mercy written all over it. I am blessed to be a part of the community.
I chose...Mercy. More specifically, Mercy Volunteer Corps....life after Mercy Volunteer Corps, actually.
Note: For those stumbling on this blog due to the a-z challenge, MVC is a full-time lay volunteer program offering placements in the continental U.S. and Guyana, South America for a one or two year commitment. Mercy Volunteers serve in Education, Health care & Social Services. Volunteers commit equally to service, a simple lifestyle in community, and personal and communal spiritual growth. (taken from www.mercyvolunteers.org). I did a year of MVC in 2009-2010. I was placed at a high school in Detroit.
In a few months I will be talking to this years group of Mercy Volunteers on life after MVC. It's going to be a little strange. Last night I was surrounded by Sisters of Mercy at a ceremony and began to ponder what exactly I will say to them...here's what I came up with. Whether it's what the MVC staff is looking for, I have no idea.
If you had asked me in 2009-2010 what the most difficult part of Mercy Volunteer Corps is, I may have said balancing community and ministry. Ask me that now, my response is: ending MVC. I'm sorry- transitioning from MVC. Because it doesn't ever end. It will stay with you for the rest of your life.
The few months toward the end of your service through the few months after are a very strange time. You're trying to wrap your head around your experience, trying to say goodbye, while also planning for the future. Some may know what they are doing, some may not. I was in the "may not" category. I think both are difficult, but I can only speak from my experience- it was hard. You are applying for jobs, figuring out what kind of job you even want, planning on moving forward with no actual plans it all. It gets frustrating when people ask you over and over and over again what you're doing when you do not have an answer.
My advice to those going through that now- it's okay to not have an answer. It's okay to live at home for a few months and discern your next move. Do not sit in front of your computer 8 hours a day and apply for jobs. You need to live a little, too. You have to wrap up your year the best way you know how. I was lucky in that my service was at a school, so they were ending with me. I could walk out after that last day of summer school and know I wasn't leaving anyone behind just yet. But I was worried for the future of those kids- I felt like I had put my entire heart and soul into it and then it was just gone from my fingers. But you can stay involved. I advise to take baby steps. Take some time away. Keep in touch with your supervisor or a former co worker, keep those connections going. And, again, don't be afraid to let it go a little bit at a time.
As far as community goes, cherish those final weeks. Encourage each other. Pray with one another, share meals. I was personally very, very close to my community and was sad to see everyone go their separate ways. Do we talk all the time? No. Do I pray for them every day? Yes. Regardless of how hard you try, life WILL get in the way- but it's not the end. Continue to email them once in a while, swapping memories of your year together.
The main thing about leaving Mercy Volunteer Corps is that we all want to find ways to continue living the Mercy values. You don't have to be living in community and holding spiritually every Monday night to keep on being Mercy. Here's how I found ways to connect: getting involved in my parish by co leading the youth group; working in a job that I can honestly and truly call a ministry; and connecting with the Sisters of Mercy by making the decision to become an associate. Association is not for everyone, and I understand that. You can still connect with the Sisters, or still find ways to live Mercy. Sometimes you have to take a deeper look within yourself to find it...but it's there. It was there the day you decided to send in an application to MVC, and it has grown through your experiences with the program.
I can 100% promise that each of you made a difference this year. You may not realize it. You may not have felt it. But you did. A community member, someone you served, a sister...heck, it could have been someone you graduated high school with who heard you were doing a year of catholic volunteer service and thought "wow, that's cool, I should volunteer more". You never know. That's the power of mercy and MVC. So leave knowing you did something, knowing you played a part in writing MVC's story.
I guess to sum it all up, don't rush ending MVC, and be sure to end it in a way that fits with you- if you need to write a letter to people you worked with, do it. Need to have one last spirituality night? Organize it. There are ways to accomplish whatever it is you need to do. As for the future- if it's known, great- congratulations, go for it and do your thing. If it's unknown, take some time. It will come. You have God and the Sisters of Mercy on your side- you are in good hands.
That's what I'd say to them. On a personal note, life after MVC has been interesting. As I mentioned, I've found ways to keep it a big part of my life. I'm also helping to screen applicants for next year's round. I like to stay as active as possible in MVC because it gave me so much enrichment and wisdom for life. I am still close to several sisters of mercy and am headed to become an associate this fall. I work for hospice, and that in itself has mercy written all over it. I am blessed to be a part of the community.
Friday, April 13, 2012
lift me up when I'm losing it
So you know how I said I didn't think I was going to follow a certain theme with the A-Z Challenge? Well, apparently I lied, because so far my posts have been inspired by songs in some way shape or form. And that, is again, the theme of tonight, with the phrase "losing it", which is the title of a song from one of my favorite bands, Never Shout Never. The song does not quite encompass my thoughts, but still, it's got some parallels. I am going to close with another song reference, but you have to keep reading.
So, losing it. What is "it" exactly? Composure? Control? Your mind? Your memory? Maybe. I think I'm losing it almost every day. The week coming back from vacation is a rough one,kids. Keep that in mind. I was slammed all week with requests, questions, meetings, etc. Some directly related to my job, some not, but I have stepped in to assist in those areas and got stuck there. (Dumb move, Megan, dumb move). So with all that on my plate, I was edgy and moody most of the week. And then I found out there were some rumors going on about me. That set me off. I almost lost it.
I gave a work related example because my life is primarily centered around work at the moment. But I'm also close to losing it when someone shows disrespect, when a situation is unfair, when people get hurt. When I lose people. The year Laurence died was extremely tough, the grief overcame me. When Susan was killed it came back, and I wasn't sure I was going to make it.
Because I have a history with anxiety, I get close to losing it pretty often. Sometimes unseen. I freak out before big events, making a phone call, talking in front of people. I worry constantly over getting things right and being able to please others. I can't make decisions because I go over and over in my head if it's the right one. Usually, this form of losing it goes out on the people closest to me (mainly, my parents).
I wonder sometimes if I actually ever lost it. I don't think so. I've never blown up at anyone (okay, I did once tell a friend of mine off on the porch of a fraternity party, but she was never really my friend, and those things needed to be said). For the most part I keep my feelings inside, or write them down, or blog about them (heh). I'm almost positive I "lost it" once in college when I stayed in my room for weeks. But I eventually found it again. I always do.
The reason for "finding it"? I have people that Lift Me Up. (Yep, another song reference, a song by Kate Voegele). We should all have those people. People we can vent too, cry on, throw things with.
At work, I have a few people who lift me up. When I was near tears yesterday, Maggie and Sue were there. Maggie (and Tierra, who no longer works there) is becoming one of my closest friends- not just a work friend, but a friend. And Sue is like my mom. She knows when I'm upset, she brings me Advil and she gives me hugs. Those two, along with Carol, the sweetest nurse of all time who once brought me chocolates, and Christine, my lifelong best friend who now works at the company, lift me up. I feel like they understand me. Maggie (Tierra too, I feel like I need to include her because she just left last week, but she definatley made an impact and is one of my closest pals!) and I can look at each other and know what's on the other one's mind. You NEED friends like that. And you need friends who will email you from the next room. You just do.
In regards to life in general, I have so many people that lift me up, encourage me, support me. Obviously my parents play a huge role in that. My dad gave me a speech last night on finding affirmation from within and which of the 4 quadrants to be in. (You don't have to get that. I did). My siblings and their spouses lift me up, through their words, yes, but primarily through their actions. I look up to all of them. Then I have my friends, Gem, Jena, Alicia, Sam, Dean, etc etc.
The Sisters of Mercy lift me up, remind me that I'm human and encourage me, they show me that I am living Mercy. Music lifts me up. Melinda Doolittle is the reason I am not lost anymore, and she continues to lift me up.
God lifts me up. God is my number one source of light and inspiration.
So I suppose my point in all of this (I don't know if I have one, really) is that for every time we feel we're losing it, there's someone there to lift us up. It may even be a total stranger. But our role as human beings is to lift each other up when we feel we may lose it.
Bazinga.
So, losing it. What is "it" exactly? Composure? Control? Your mind? Your memory? Maybe. I think I'm losing it almost every day. The week coming back from vacation is a rough one,kids. Keep that in mind. I was slammed all week with requests, questions, meetings, etc. Some directly related to my job, some not, but I have stepped in to assist in those areas and got stuck there. (Dumb move, Megan, dumb move). So with all that on my plate, I was edgy and moody most of the week. And then I found out there were some rumors going on about me. That set me off. I almost lost it.
I gave a work related example because my life is primarily centered around work at the moment. But I'm also close to losing it when someone shows disrespect, when a situation is unfair, when people get hurt. When I lose people. The year Laurence died was extremely tough, the grief overcame me. When Susan was killed it came back, and I wasn't sure I was going to make it.
Because I have a history with anxiety, I get close to losing it pretty often. Sometimes unseen. I freak out before big events, making a phone call, talking in front of people. I worry constantly over getting things right and being able to please others. I can't make decisions because I go over and over in my head if it's the right one. Usually, this form of losing it goes out on the people closest to me (mainly, my parents).
I wonder sometimes if I actually ever lost it. I don't think so. I've never blown up at anyone (okay, I did once tell a friend of mine off on the porch of a fraternity party, but she was never really my friend, and those things needed to be said). For the most part I keep my feelings inside, or write them down, or blog about them (heh). I'm almost positive I "lost it" once in college when I stayed in my room for weeks. But I eventually found it again. I always do.
The reason for "finding it"? I have people that Lift Me Up. (Yep, another song reference, a song by Kate Voegele). We should all have those people. People we can vent too, cry on, throw things with.
At work, I have a few people who lift me up. When I was near tears yesterday, Maggie and Sue were there. Maggie (and Tierra, who no longer works there) is becoming one of my closest friends- not just a work friend, but a friend. And Sue is like my mom. She knows when I'm upset, she brings me Advil and she gives me hugs. Those two, along with Carol, the sweetest nurse of all time who once brought me chocolates, and Christine, my lifelong best friend who now works at the company, lift me up. I feel like they understand me. Maggie (Tierra too, I feel like I need to include her because she just left last week, but she definatley made an impact and is one of my closest pals!) and I can look at each other and know what's on the other one's mind. You NEED friends like that. And you need friends who will email you from the next room. You just do.
In regards to life in general, I have so many people that lift me up, encourage me, support me. Obviously my parents play a huge role in that. My dad gave me a speech last night on finding affirmation from within and which of the 4 quadrants to be in. (You don't have to get that. I did). My siblings and their spouses lift me up, through their words, yes, but primarily through their actions. I look up to all of them. Then I have my friends, Gem, Jena, Alicia, Sam, Dean, etc etc.
The Sisters of Mercy lift me up, remind me that I'm human and encourage me, they show me that I am living Mercy. Music lifts me up. Melinda Doolittle is the reason I am not lost anymore, and she continues to lift me up.
God lifts me up. God is my number one source of light and inspiration.
So I suppose my point in all of this (I don't know if I have one, really) is that for every time we feel we're losing it, there's someone there to lift us up. It may even be a total stranger. But our role as human beings is to lift each other up when we feel we may lose it.
Bazinga.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
jump start my kaleidoscope heart
Kaleidoscope is not one of those words you hear very often. So when Sara Barielles released her sophomore album in 2010, I was a little confused about the album title. Kaleidoscope Heart? That's different. There's a title track on the album, and she also mentions it in her hit song "Uncharted" when she sings "Jump start my kaledioscope heart, love to watch the colors fade". I once saw a video where Sara explained the idea behind kaleidoscope heart:
"The idea behind 'Kaleidoscope Heart' is that we're all sort of in pieces and broken bits on the inside, but somehow, when you look through them, you still see something beautiful and colorful and magical..."- Sara Barielles
Wow. Now that? Is why this girl is an amazing songwriter. How true is that statement? We all have our little broken pieces, and yet we all have a story, and Sara is right, you can find the beauty in everyone and anyone. Everyone has something to offer the world, despite how broken they might be, or might have been in the past.
When I meet a new person I always want to know their story. Where they came from, where they are headed and what bumps they've hit along the way. I have a friend named Meghan who is the same way- and she's just the friendliest person. Within moments of meeting you she'll ask you an obscure question like "what's the best birthday present you ever received?" or "where did your parents meet". Some people are thrown off by it, because it's a rare thing, for someone to be that genuinely interested in your life. But Meghan is. Meghan appreciates the good and bad in people, she likes to hear the quirks and the stories. That's one of the reasons I love Meghan so much- she gets people, and she WANTS to get people.
I got a little off track there. I guess what I'm saying is we should live like Sara's words and Meghan's actions and look into people's hearts a little more to find the colors inside of them. Recognize their beauty and know that they have one heck of a story and "pieces" that make them who they are right now. We've all been broken, in some way shape or form. That's what makes us human. But we're also beautiful, colorful. Like a kaleidoscope. Appreciate that in every person you meet.
"The idea behind 'Kaleidoscope Heart' is that we're all sort of in pieces and broken bits on the inside, but somehow, when you look through them, you still see something beautiful and colorful and magical..."- Sara Barielles
Wow. Now that? Is why this girl is an amazing songwriter. How true is that statement? We all have our little broken pieces, and yet we all have a story, and Sara is right, you can find the beauty in everyone and anyone. Everyone has something to offer the world, despite how broken they might be, or might have been in the past.
When I meet a new person I always want to know their story. Where they came from, where they are headed and what bumps they've hit along the way. I have a friend named Meghan who is the same way- and she's just the friendliest person. Within moments of meeting you she'll ask you an obscure question like "what's the best birthday present you ever received?" or "where did your parents meet". Some people are thrown off by it, because it's a rare thing, for someone to be that genuinely interested in your life. But Meghan is. Meghan appreciates the good and bad in people, she likes to hear the quirks and the stories. That's one of the reasons I love Meghan so much- she gets people, and she WANTS to get people.
I got a little off track there. I guess what I'm saying is we should live like Sara's words and Meghan's actions and look into people's hearts a little more to find the colors inside of them. Recognize their beauty and know that they have one heck of a story and "pieces" that make them who they are right now. We've all been broken, in some way shape or form. That's what makes us human. But we're also beautiful, colorful. Like a kaleidoscope. Appreciate that in every person you meet.
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