Today is my last day as President of the Melton Sustainable Living Group.
I feel sad.
Sad, because for me, this is the end of something I started four years ago. But by the final year Kim and I began to experience burn out. It was unsustainable, which is ironic seeing it was a sustainable living group.
It was to be expected really, especially when you give a cause your all, consistently for such a long time. But no regrets.
I am also sad that so far no-one has nominated for the roles that Kim and I vacated. Is our legacy so large that people feel intimidated by the task at hand? I would hope not.
I know that it is not a simple commitment, and does take time, hard work and effort, but it is fulfilling. After all, a group should be shaped by all it’s members, not just a few individuals. It is whatever they want it to be.
Anyway, this feeling has enveloped me for a few days, ever since I wrote the final article for the group’s newsletter. It hit home, hard. I know that it will take time, but this feeling will fade.
Change is never easy. It is natural to feel a sense of loss. Weird, seeing that it was our choice to move on and hand the reigns over to others.
So today I am soothing the melancholy within by listening to my favourite 80’s music, doing a little gardening and giving thanks.
I am thankful for those who have come into my life over the past four years. Thankful for their friendship and companionship. Like-minded, friendly people are always a pleasure to have along on the journey of life.
There you have it. Sad, yet thankful.
Strange how change makes us feel life square in between the eyes, in real ways. Beats the pants off reality TV any day!
Is there anything you would have done differently at the beginning to make the group more sustainable over the long term?
Yes anon, I think I would have written in to the rules that the President, Treasurer, and Secretary roles should be rotated each year. They should only have a one year term in office. It would have built a stronger group over time.
Maybe I wouldn’t have been so eager, but that is just me.
Gav x
hi gavin
i can see the same thing happening in a couple of groups i belong to. comes a time when new and fresh blood is needed but no one is prepared to donate it. yet people then regret the demise of the group. is it just one of lifes many cycles?
no easy answer.
claire in kalorama
Hi Claire. Thanks for the support. As you posed, I think it is one of lifes little cycles.
Gav x
The group I was in had in the rules that each position was only to be held for two years maximum. It made sure that everyone had to contribute to the group in more than just a bum on a seat way. Regardless of what happens to the group you and Kim did a fantastic job in getting the group up and going. Take time to feel sad then move on. It’s a part of being human.
Hi Calidore. That is a good rule to have in place.
I agree with you, people don’t take enough time to be sad, and shake it off. To feel is to be human.
BTW, I am much better now, and feel quite energised.
Gav x