Good Grief! A lament of frustration and a little despair most notably coined by the lovable loser Charlie Brown of the Peanuts.
I'll be honest with you Friends....I've felt that Good Grief feeling a number of times over the last 3 months. Yes, while I present myself to the world as a never-ending enthusiastic and energetic person there are times when balancing Rotary, family, relationships (of all sorts), career, general life responsibilities, and my health can seem like a gauntlet. The list can seem overwhelming. I know each of you understands this feeling. And knowing that we are not alone in those feelings and having a supportive community around you is important. I have learned over the last 48 hours just how important these things are.
I'll be honest with you Friends....I've felt that Good Grief feeling a number of times over the last 3 months. Yes, while I present myself to the world as a never-ending enthusiastic and energetic person there are times when balancing Rotary, family, relationships (of all sorts), career, general life responsibilities, and my health can seem like a gauntlet. The list can seem overwhelming. I know each of you understands this feeling. And knowing that we are not alone in those feelings and having a supportive community around you is important. I have learned over the last 48 hours just how important these things are.
Each of us has or has had a lot on their proverbial plate at one point or another. Many of us keep those heaping portions served up on that plate to ourselves. Sometimes you just are not aware of what someone is going through behind the scenes. That is why the Fellowship and strong Leadership of Emmaus Rotary Club is so critical for a healthy and vibrant club atmosphere. Over the months and years of being a Rotarian we have formed meaningful bonds with each other in lots of ways. Those relationships are the glue that keep us inspired together. Keeping up with relationships can be hard work, but it is work worth doing because losing ourselves in daily rat race is not the meaning of life. The difference we make together and the experiences of we share together are what we will look back on at the end of this road called life.
For those in this ERC family that are new. You are part of something big. Welcome!
For those in ERC for a long while. You have set the stage for tremendous work. Thank You!
For those in ERC we haven't seen in a while for a multitude of reasons.... you matter, and we care about you. We miss you! If you need a Friend. We are here.
For those in ERC we have lost. You are not forgotten. You have built a legacy.
For those in ERC we have lost. You are not forgotten. You have built a legacy.
For every ERC member looking at life's plate and feeling like GOOD GRIEF, I hope you know you have a family here.
In closing sometimes grief is a good sign. We feel frustrated when the things we care most about aren't working out as we envisioned.
It certainly won't feel like it in the moment, but in its boiled down, bittersweet form, grief is an extension and act of love. Without love you wouldn't ever feel its punch to the gut. It presents itself when we lose. Lose a companion, lose control, or lose something meaningful. We don't like losing. It's uncomfortable. But what comes after loss can be inspiration and growth. We grieve the things we've love the most. I'd rather feel some good grief than never love or care enough to feel it.
Shine Bright Friends,
Meghan Reed
President, Emmaus Rotary Club 2022/23