I
usually run with a theme.This week I am stepping well outside my comfort zone. This post is all about me.
Most of you know that I have been volunteering with Lifeline Australia (a telephone crisis support line) for a very long time. My parents made clear to us when I was growing up that we had an obligation to contribute to the community as they did, though how we did it was our decision. Volunteering with LL is one of the ways I choose to give back.
Last month our local centre had an awards night. I usually avoid them, but it was made clear that they really wanted me to attend. So I went, despite it being after a shift when I was already very tired.
And received not one but two awards. I was really appreciative, and embarrassed. I suffer (quite badly) from imposter syndrome (I am convinced that sooner or later they will 'get wise' to me and throw me out) and prefer to fly under the radar. If you embiggen the photos you should be able to read the wonderful text.
The first award is essentially a longevity one. I described it (remember that imposter syndrome thing) as a slow learner award. I have been privileged to be on the phones for over 26 years now. It is not easy, but so worth while. And rewarding, despite the fact that I have wept with and for our callers and these days often retire to bed when I get home from a shift.
The certificate was given to me already framed. I have no intention of hanging it up though.
The second was an award which I shared with other people for supporting other counsellors and the callers.
With this award I was given a beautiful wooden bookmark - with a sulphur crested cockatoo stamped out of it. They know my tastes don't they?
The card under it came with an olive tree seedling. Everyone who attended was given one and I hope to make mine grow.
Staying out of my comfort zone I have included a photo of me (lots and lots of photos were taken) with two of the staff members. I am the one in the middle.
Grueling as it can be, I hope to continue volunteering here. I have never come away from a shift without being humbled at our caller's resilience. Many of them have and are going through things that would have me velcroed to the carpet under the bed refusing to come out.
I hope you are appreciated this week, and that you deal with it better than I do.
It's nice to see a picture of you! Some of us don't do well with receiving thanks or compliments.
ReplyDeleteKaren Jones Goward: Thank you. I do much better with accepting (and believing) criticism than I do praise.
DeleteHi Sue - that's wonderful ... and so lovely to see a photo of you with two friends - you've obviously been helping out wondrously for all those years ... what a lovely evening ... and I'm so pleased you shared with us ... your care, love and thoughtfulness shine through. Superb ... so pleased for you ... cheers and hugs - Hilary xo
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: It was an incredibly tiring evening and took days to recover from, but I am glad (I think) I went. It really is a wonderful community.
DeleteI never mentioned the bookmark with the sulphur crested cockatoo - a thoughtful present, and then that olive ... you'll take care of it - that much we know ... your love of all things shines through. So so pleased for you ... cheers and with hugs - Hilary
DeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: I haven't yet decided where to put the olive tree. In a pot to begin with I think. I know that they grow in my city - there is an olive farm not far away. And thank you. Again.
DeleteRiver Fairchild - That’s such an amazing recognition for you and so well deserved!! And I know how hard it is for you to step out of your comfort zone (solidarity from another imposter syndrome sufferer). You give so much of yourself - time, energy, strength, empathy - when you have so little to spare. I am constantly in awe at what your stubbornness and determination accomplishes. :-) I also thank you for sharing your beautiful photo! ❤️ Well met and hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteRiver Fairchild: Thank you - and hugs right back. Imposter syndrome is tenacious isn't it?
DeleteCongratulations! Now take your right hand, extend it over your left shoulder, and give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. And pick up that beautiful framed award and hang that sucker on the wall to remind yourself of your accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteMarty: Thank you. And no, I can't see that award making it to the wall.
DeleteCongrats on your well deserved awards! You look lovely in the picture, Sue!
ReplyDeleteSo, your family name is Goldberg. I like that.
DUTA: Thank you. My father was a German Jew. For much of his life he said that religion cost too much and didn't practice his faith. When he knew he was dying he rang a rabbi and arranged his funeral. I am so glad he got that opportunity. We would not have known that is what he wanted.
DeleteWell done, Sue! Sometimes you have to be gracious and accept the praise. Congratulations on the awards.
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: I was (I hope) gracious in my acceptance. Believing in those words of praise is a different kettle of fish.
DeleteCongratulations. It's nice to see a picture of you too.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: Thank you. I suspect that is going to be the last photo of myself I share for a very long time.
DeleteWhile it doesn't take much at the moment, I felt a little teary as I read this. Congratulations on undoubtedly deserved awards. Cherish the awards with good grace.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: I am sorry to add to your tears - and thank you. I will try.
DeleteCongratulations on your awards, EC! Your work is impressive, and I'm sure you've made a big difference to countless people over the past 26 years. Well done. (You're definitely NOT an imposter.) :-)
ReplyDeleteDiane Henders: Thank you too. I hope I have made a difference, and have talked to many, many people over the years.
DeleteHooray you for showing up to be appreciated. I could never do your job; thank you for making a difference.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: We get lots of support and very good training - which we are required to update each and every year. And thank you.
DeleteCongratulations, dear Sue! If I may... : )
ReplyDeleteWhat an exceptional person you are!!
Caterina: Thank you. I am glad to say that hundreds of people in my city volunteer with LL.
DeleteCongratulations child of the Elephant.
ReplyDeleteSo glad I met you through blogging and interacted with you.
I first heard of this syndrome at University (I went 48 years old mature) from a very very great woman, who offered so much to the University community and I thought how is it possible...
Be well and have a beautiful week
AAA the olive idea is perfect it will keep this day alive❤️
Katerinas Blog: Thank you. What a lovely way to put it - that the olive tree will keep this day alive.
DeleteYou were excited enough about this to post it early. 😁
ReplyDeleteJust in case you haven't counted yet, on your plaque there are 25 dots, 26 leaves, and 30 hash marks. The 30 hash marks mean you have at least 4 more years to go. If they give you another plaque, count the hash marks before you accept it.
What's the average length of time people stay at the job? Are you top dog?
Mike: If I was excited about the post I would have posted it closer to the event.
DeleteI hadn't counted the dots/leaves and hash marks. Thirty years is something to aspire to.
I don't know how long most people last, but well under twenty years before life gets in the way is my guess.
A big congratulations and lots of hugs to you EC. Well done and thank you for sharing this wonderful news. I do like the awards, and already framed - well done.
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Margaret D: The already framed was a really nice gesture wasn't it?
DeleteGosh that’s a really long time to be associated with a ‘company’. You must really like it there😊
ReplyDeleteIt must take a lot of skill and dedication to turn up and ‘lend an ear’ to an anonymous person who is so troubled they need to talk to a stranger. Thank you.
Cathy: My heart thumps before I answer a call. We never know what issue the callers are seeking assistance with. Sadly I think that loneliness underpins almost every call.
DeleteSo well done, Sue!
ReplyDeleteYou're no imposter, you're the real deal! Nobody can fake something for 26 years.
I hope you are high on appreciation all this week
kylie: Thank you. The staff and the other volunteers agree with you it seems. I still wonder...
DeleteI think we all look in the mirror each day and accuse ourselves of being a fraud. As Kylie says, you are the real deal.
ReplyDeleteBill: I wonder whether all of us do suffer from this syndrome? I hope not. And cannot imagine what you feel yourself to be a fraud about. Thank you.
DeleteCongratulations on the very well deserved awards and how nice to see your lovely face at last. I could tell you a tale about olive trees but I think I'll save t for a blog post.
ReplyDeleteRiver: You have got me intrigued. I would love to hear your story about olive trees. And thank you to you too.
DeleteAs far as I can recall, Sue, this is the first time I have even seen your picture and you look as smashing as I would have imagined. Congratulations on this recognition. It is all richly deserved, of course, despite your protestations to the contrary. I have no doubt that there are people now living a happy, productive life because of a telephone encounter with you. Bravo. You are admired by everyone who visits your blog, and loved by many.
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: Thank you. It is indeed the first photo of myself I have put on the blog - and quite possibly the last. Whenever possible I don't do photos of myself. I hope you are right about people living happy and productive lives after a call to Lifeline. We try - all of us.
DeleteYou are one of the few people in the world who make me have hope in humanity, thanks for all your good works; your awards are definitely well deserved
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: There are many volunteers in many avenues - some of which I could not do. Thank you.
DeleteWhat a wonderful gift to me on this Mother's Day! Awards for my dear friend and even a picture! Congratulations for this honor, and I too have shed some tears with you over the years, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteDJan: Our blog friends become very dear to us don't they? We laugh with them, we weep with and for them, and we learn from them.
DeleteI am so very happy you did this Sue. You do some marvelous work and for so long too. I hear you on the imposter thing too. It's only in the last while I've managed to put that to rest, finally believing the feedbacks, etc. Lovely to see your photo.
ReplyDeleteWe have no idea how we help others less fortunate along the way. But there must be countless in your life. Well done.
XO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: The imposter thing is insidious isn't it? As I put up this post I could hear my parents saying 'don't get tickets on yourself'. Well done to you for finally kicking that syndrome to the curb.
DeleteCongratulations on receiving not one, but two awards for your dedication to Lifeline Australia! It's clear that your commitment to volunteering and supporting others in crisis has made a significant impact over the years. Imposter syndrome can be challenging to overcome, but your recognition is a testament to your genuine contribution and the positive difference you've made in the lives of those you've helped. Thank you for sharing your Sunday Selections with us and for your ongoing commitment to giving back to the community.
ReplyDeleteMELODY JACOB: Thank you. My commitment to volunteering brings benefits to me too. I learn so much from our callers and am frequently awed and humbled at their resilience.
Delete¡¡Felicidades!!, por ese merecido reconocimiento, a tu entrega desinteresada de ayuda a los demás, actitud que yo valoro mucho de personas como tu, y que tanto bien hacéis. Y ¡¡Gracias!! porque si hubiera muchas personas como ustedes el mundo iría mejor.
ReplyDeleteEn Sevilla este servicio también hecho por voluntarios se llama: "Teléfono de la Esperanza".
Y estoy muy contento porque después de tantos años, hoy, me voy a despedir de ti llamándote por tu nombre.
Un cordial saludo, apreciada amiga Sue.
Manuel: Telephone of Hope is a wonderful name for the service - and I am sure it does offer hope. To many. And thank you.
DeleteI'm so glad that you attended this event. Congratulations on all your awards of recognition for your kind volunteering service that saves lives. You certainly deserve this recognitions. That's a long time of service for a good cause.
ReplyDeleteI'm also glad that you humbly accepted to have your photo taken for the occasion, and thanks for sharing it. It's so nice to see the face of a blogger friend that we exchange comments with. It makes it real. You deserve these all awards and you'll probably never know how many lives you have saved from death.
Hugs,
Julia
Julia: Thank you. I so nearly didn't go. I was tired after a shift on the phones and really, really wanted to go to bed. Uncomfortable as I was, I am glad I went - and was very happy to cheer other award winners.
DeleteLike you, i find it hard to be recognized (I always say I'm just the janitor). I'm glad you went, thank you for posting the pictures.
ReplyDeleteI will pray your olive flourishes.
messymimi: It is hard isn't it? Thank you.
DeleteYou don't like adulation.
ReplyDeleteSo I just take off my non-existent hat and take a deep bow, Sue.
Sean Jeating: Recognition is hard enough. Adulation? I suspect I would laugh - and thank you.
DeleteYour award was well deserved, Sue! I can't imagine how many people you've helped during that time, not to mention lives you've saved. I've never called a crisis line, but I had a rough and tough driller who stopped me from committing suicide over 40 years ago in Kansas. He pissed me off so bad, I decided to prove him wrong before I killed myself. Angels come in surprising forms, and I will forever be grateful to Don Foster. Even now I still struggle with suicidal thoughts, but I know how to get on top of them. I have no doubt that you've been an angel to people in need. And thanks for sharing a photo of you! Now I have the face of a friend to attach to all the kind thoughts and memories of knowing you on line! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteFundy Blue: Thank you - on all counts. I love the story of you being so pissed off that you waited to get even before killing yourself. And I am grateful to Don Foster.
DeleteCongratulations on the awards which you so richly deserve. I have learned over the years that giving is just as important as receiving because it increases endorphins or something like that and that is good for our bodies. Love your photo and now I can imagine your face when I read your post. Take good care of you so you can continue to care for others.
ReplyDeleteGlenda Beall: I get a huge amount from my volunteering. Probably more than I give.
DeleteCongratulations! It was such an honor to receive those two awards, and well deserved, too. You look so beautiful in that picture!
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: Thank you.
DeleteThank you my dear friend and God bless you. Because I think you know , I relate to you very much. I don't hide under the bed as much these days, but the tendency is there, isn't it? Isn't it funny that we can feel so close to a person without any idea of what they look like! I think you look very pleasant and thank you for going out of your comfort zone to share this post and that photo with us. I love you! Aloha!
ReplyDeleteCloudia: I have been blown away by how close I feel to people (including you) that I will almost certainly never meet in the flesh. And thank you.
DeleteWonderful gifts. I am sure you deserver them and I hope the olive will grow into a huge tree! And the sulphur crested bandit tells me they know and appreciate you as you are.
ReplyDeleteI think you know I hear you on the "I hate to be celebrated" front. I do not like my own birthday, not for getting older, but for being celebrated! But I have learned with age, that I have to let people have their way ;)
How nice to see a photo of you; you look just like you! - and quite a bit like one of my aunts!
Charlotte (MotherOwl): How interesting that I look like one of your aunts. Does she also hate to have her photo taken? And yes, sometimes we do have to let people have their way. Uncomfortable as it is.
DeleteFirst of all, I am exceedingly happy to see a photo of you!!! It is so very nice to 'meet you' my dear friend. Second of all, I am excited that you were recognized for your unwavering support of this very important organization. You deserve this and much more in my humble opinion, as I have long admired you for volunteering. Hooray to you for coming out of your comfort zone and sharing this post. Thank you for all that you do, you are amazing and yes, I know you might go pershah, but you truly are.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Thank you (and you are right about the pershah).
DeleteCongratulations on the awards. Good for you helping others. You look marvelous. Sort of like me I do fine on the other side of the screen and can gladly converse with others but put me next to them and it's a different story entirely. I am so introverted. I hope you have a good new week,
ReplyDeleteRasmaSandra: The blogosphere was made for introverts wasn't it? You have a good week too.
DeleteIt is very sad that such a job is needed, Sue. How many people call each day? Sometimes you just need someone to talk to.
ReplyDeleteSandi: It is very sad. And very necessary. We get more calls than we can answer each day (well over 1000 calls are made) and there are other crisis lines too which are also swamped.
DeleteGreat post and love your photo xx
ReplyDeleteaussie aNNie: Thank you.
DeleteSo wonderful of you to dedicate your time to such a worthy cause.
ReplyDeleteHena Tayeb: I get a lot more out of it than I give.
DeleteOh, Sue. How wonderful. I can't think of anyone more deserving. And I'm glad you included a pic of yourself. Now I can put a face with a most beloved name. Huge hugs, Sandra
ReplyDeletesandracox.blogspot.com
Sandra Cox: Thank you. Remember that photo, because I doubt that I will post another.
DeleteCongratulations on both awards. You are definitely deserving of them. That is quite a milestone.. And I was so delighted to see your beautiful face, too. I definitely hope your olive tree grows and blossoms for you.
ReplyDeleteI got a "failed to publish," (about 8:30 your time) but will keep trying.
Bleubeard and Elizabeth: Thank you - and thank you for persevering. Did you see my comment on your post about how to stop the 'failed to publish' thing?
DeleteMany congratulations on both awards.
ReplyDeleteYou are so deserving of them.
It was lovely to see you in the photograph.
Sending lots of well done and good wishes to you.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you.
DeleteAt last we meet even if it is virtually.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your awards. Your time and compassion have been noticed and appreciated by so many.
Anne in the kitchen: And big thanks to you too.
DeleteIncredible work that can only be accomplished by very special people, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteEven if they are imposters. :)
Kudos for all you do, EC!
Gini and I are thinking of you today as we had some nice rain to cool things down.
Wally Jones: I did another shift yesterday - wearing my supervisor/mentor hat. And yes, I still feel like and imposter. Thank you and Gini.
DeleteSeriously big bunny stamps for doing Lifeline. I did it for a couple of years. Long ago.
ReplyDeleteJ Cosmo Newbery: It is sad that the need is if anything greater than when you did it a long time ago. Our numbers keep growing. And growing.
DeleteIt is an honour to know you, EC! You deserve all the kudos you can get. Picture me applauding! And hang those awards!
ReplyDeleteDiane: Thank you. I don't do it for the kudos (and won't be hanging those awards). It is nice to be appreciated though.
Delete