[Myzen]

Hi folks,

I haven't been posting so much recently, because my 3d life has been developing. This has to be a good thing, so everyone keeps telling me, although it comes at a price - stress.

In line with others struggling with illness, my pattern has been to pop my head up now and then and then pull back when I get a challenge or when I feel ill. It has been a choppy ride.

Anyway, my recent longer recovery has taken hold and I now have a social life again, with all the expectations that involves. New friends (regular people - whatever they are) don't expect bizarre behaviour, so there is a stress element in that expectation alone.

I have recently faced a big challenge, involving some conflict and group politics and find that I have emerged as the organiser and MC of a poetry event. This is a public event, open to all comers, and it will be stressful - no mistake about that. My wife will help me, and I seem to be popular with the people who come along. However, we all know that events of this sort are fraught with diffculties and sometimes difficult and challenging people.

This is the big test. A part of me wants to go back to bed and just live the online life. Another part of me wants to face the challenge.

I don't really know what kind of replies I am hoping for. I guess some encouragement, but realistic, as we folks know how much harder it is to do anything in the public eye when we carry an illness.

It is scary.

Cheers, M

this is great news! i am so happy for you. i know you can do it, particularly with your wife at your side. cheers!! love, pat

wow alex.......i understand what you are going through....boy oh boy do i understand.....because of my husbands job in management this time of year is filled with executive holiday parties all of which i am expected to attend and perform as the corporate wife.....major stress!.....of course your position in the poetry event is even more stressful being in charge!.....but i've been watching your growth over the months and i think not only will you handle it but you will do a great job! i'm so glad that you have your wife at your side for support.that will be a big help......you CAN do this alex! take the challenge and just do your best!.please let us know how it goes....

[kimmydawn]

Myzen, I wish you nothing but the best. It sounds challenging and wonderful.

KD

[JustBen]

I'm sure it will have it's difficulties. On the plus side, it seems like an interesting thing to organize. Good luck with it.

[darkeyes]

Great news!! Go for it. !!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm so happy for you.
Sincerely,
DE

[Lexicon78]

Good luck and I know you'll do well!

[Raynaadi]

Wow! Sounds like fun! Try and look at it as not a situation that will create stress for you, but as something that will bring joy to others. The attendees will enjoy the poetry and be greatful to you for puting it on. When you feel stressed, just think, "this isn't about me. i'm doing something nice for other people". Honor the commitment that you're trusted with and have fun with it!

[SeptemberMorn]

Fantastic! What a special challenge has come your way! Only thing I have to say is read my "Expect Beauty" post!

[eskielover]

Sounds like a wonderful challenge ahead of you.....& with your wifes support & encouragement that should help you alot.

The one thing that you can be thankful for is that our types of illness aren't obvious to most of the publics eye. It's only when it manifests itself in physical trates does anyone even realize that there may be something.

It is great that this opportunity has come your way & that you have been feeling up to taking on the challenge. The best part of this is that you will be able to look at it as an accomplishment in the future.....always realizing if you get down in the future that you can always do it again & you were strong enough to do something very challenging.

Yes, being in front of people is always stressful even when you aren't dealing with any other internal issues.....I am sure you will do a wonderful job of organizing & MC'ing the poetry event. It sounds like the people involved are nice people who can give you support there too.

Remember, challenges now are accomplishments in the future.
Debbie

Big challenge but wow, so interesting!

Good luck! I know you can do it! Go for it!

[lenjan]

what i've found is that our expectations of ourselves are always vastly higher than other people's expectations of us.

in other words -- relax. and have fun!

candy

[bipolar_bear]

Myzen it sounds like you are preparing yourself well for your poetry event. It seems that you are willing to face the challenges it will present to you and that you have the support from your wife. I hope it goes well and has few challenging people and difficulties. Have fun. Let us know how it goes.

[Myzen]

Hi folks,

Thanks for the support. I value every reply, and the wise advice given.

Maybe the biggest encouragement is to know that you folks rise to challenges all the time: there is your journalism job and your teaching Candy, and those corporate events Butterfly - wow! I'm sure there are lots of other challenges that we all rise to, but don't always talk about.

Many of you mentioned about my wife's support. I had thought of having a friend as my main helper. In the end I remembered that my wife used to be my helper at events we organised before I was ill and we were a close team. It will be the same again.

She will be on the door, sorting out the admin and the running order, and then I just have to do to the hosting, friendly chat, links and maybe a few jokes. Yes, believe it or not, jokes are back on the menu!

Thanks again everyone.

Cheers, M