If you’re catching up, a brief recap…
On Tuesday I revealed that I am suffering from the Feeling of UN…a general sense of being UNcertain…UNappreciated…UNinspired…and so on. I also vowed to beat the Feeling of UN in ways that will be chronicled here on The Chameleon’s Backbone over the next 12 weeks.
Based on your suggestions…
#1
Make a Significant Difference in the Life of Someone Else (per Judith, it must be a person who I am not related to and outside of my circle of friends).
#2
Dress up and go out on a date with me, via e-mail from Mr. Backbone. Sweet!
#3
Go with the flow and let life happen, by SuziCate, and seconded by Ron and Penny.
#4, 5, 6
???
#7
Courtesy of Mike, do a shot of Jack Daniels. Now we’re talking! I’m going to build an entire weekend around this one.
#8
Travel, and make it worthwhile, suggested by Jo.
#9, 10, 11, 12
????
There’s still time to submit your suggestions, so suggest away! If I don’t get all 12 spots filled by next week, I’ll fill them in myself.
#1 – Make a Significant Difference in the Life of Someone Else.
Before revealing #1, I thought long and hard about what I would do, because making a significant difference cannot happen by a single act, unless I saved someone’s life…and I simply don’t have the patience to wait on a Pittsburgh bridge for a jumper to scream for help. I could be there for months.
For many years, I’ve been interested in being a BIG, and now I finally have the time to do it.
If you’re not familiar with the program, it matches adults to children who need role models in their lives. It’s a one-to-one match for a minimum of one year, where the BIG and LITTLE do about two activities together each month.
I’m currently in stage 3 of the screening process, and will likely be matched sometime this summer. The screening interviews have been intense, where I’ve had to talk a lot about myself, my own childhood, what kinds of situations I’m comfortable and UNcomfortable with, and why I think an underprivileged child would benefit from my involvement in their life. It’s forced me to be introspective and think once again about how not having kids has shaped my life. If you missed my post on that topic, it’s here at I’m Not KIDding.
Stay tuned over the summer, as I’ll be sure to be posting about my LITTLE and how it’s going. I’m super excited!
Have YOU ever made a significant difference in someone else’s life. If so, how?
Also, if you have suggestions for spots #4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, or 12, above, remember to leave a suggestion. If I’ll agree to do a shot of whisky for Mike, I might agree to almost anything.
Have a great weekend! I’ll be back on Tuesday.
The Chameleon's Backbone 
Posted by Sidney on May 13, 2011 at 3:28 pm
Purge a closet or a drawer. (I know. Coming from me, huh?) You will feel UNburdened and INspired, I promise.
Posted by Tracy on May 13, 2011 at 3:38 pm
You’re on, but it will hardly be as monumental as what you are doing in San Diego. I’ll do my best!
Posted by Carol Ann Hoel on May 13, 2011 at 3:44 pm
Go outside early in the morning shortly after the sun is up, sit where you can see flowers and trees, and listen to the birds sing. This is what I do each morning as weather permits. It starts my day off with a zing of gratitude and hope. (A cup of coffee in hand is a fine prop.)
Posted by Tracy on May 14, 2011 at 8:32 am
Task accepted. Thanks Carol Ann!
Posted by carldagostino on May 13, 2011 at 4:39 pm
Read stuff by jerks from India.Tell yourself that life is an illusion. Then get out your checkbook and pay some bill. Then you will definitely be UNsure.
Posted by Tracy on May 14, 2011 at 8:33 am
Carl! I’m trying to get un, UN. Task rejected – LOL.
Posted by Ron on May 13, 2011 at 7:38 pm
BRAVA, Tracy! I think that’s an awesome idea about volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters!
I have always thought about doing that, so now that you mentioned it, I may get myself involved too. I adore kids!
I think the most significant difference I’ve made in someone else’s life, was when I was voluteering my Reiki and Reflexology to those with the HIV virus. But not only a difference in THEIR lives, also mine. I think I received much more than I gave.
Have a wonderful weekend, my friend!
X
Posted by Tracy on May 14, 2011 at 8:36 am
FIST PUMP for Ron. Whoo Whoo! It’s so great when the giver receives an emotional benefit from the act of giving. In a way, giving can be more of a gift to yourself than to the person you are helping. Have a FABULOUS weekend, Ron.
Posted by Laura Best on May 13, 2011 at 8:22 pm
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a terrific idea Tracy. I like to think that I’ve made a significant difference in the lives of my kids. How? By being a good listener, cheering them on, helping them to look at life from different angles, by letting them know that they are free to live their own lives even if I don’t necessarily agree with their choices, and above all by offering them unconditional love.
Posted by Tracy on May 14, 2011 at 8:39 am
I’m so glad you wrote that. Mothers don’t give themselves enough credit sometimes…thinking that mothering is more of a duty than an opportunity to signifantly shape and influence the lives of their children. BRAVO to you for being a supporter, teacher, and recognizer of their individualities.
Posted by Stacey on May 13, 2011 at 9:45 pm
When uncertain, I think my suggestion is to take the road less traveled. Even if you know it might be harder and there might not be as much support because, well it IS the road LESS traveled. It is a true challenge of self to do it anyway and see where that road takes you. This might even sweep you into the UNmotivated problem as well. Self-motivation is a hard one to get going but once you take that first step, it is hard not to start running!
Posted by Stacey on May 13, 2011 at 9:47 pm
My response was to the original question of suggestions not to the Big Brother/Sisters program. I think it is an amazing program and think you will excel at it. Just remember to take time for yourself too!
Posted by Tracy on May 14, 2011 at 8:40 am
Challenge accepted – now I just need to find the road to which you speak of! Listing this as #11 to give myself some time to find that road.
Posted by Amy on May 14, 2011 at 12:23 am
Trac, I admire you. You will be an awesome big sister. What a lucky kid who gets to spend time with you. I am sure it will be a growth experience for both.
Posted by Tracy on May 14, 2011 at 8:41 am
…and I admire you too, for more reasons than you probably know.
Posted by Andie on May 14, 2011 at 10:38 am
Conquer a fear. Do something you always wanted to do but thought it just wasn’t “you” or “your thing”. Step (or jump) out of your comfort zone.
Posted by Tracy on May 16, 2011 at 9:49 pm
Task accepted, just as soon as I identify a fear.
Posted by Penny on May 14, 2011 at 4:13 pm
Making a Significant Difference in the Life of Someone Else is always a good thing. I have to agree, you need time for yourself too for reflecting on your life and your needs. You will make a great “Big Sister”.
Posted by Tracy on May 16, 2011 at 9:51 pm
Several people said that I need to take time for myself – I’m listening to those words..re-evaluating..so that I don’t jump into BBBS before the time is right. Thanks for the reminder!
Posted by Tammy McLeod on May 15, 2011 at 3:12 pm
Great post! There is nothing that will put your own self in perspective so quickly as serving others. Obviously you’ve figured that out.
Posted by Tracy on May 16, 2011 at 9:53 pm
Still figuring it out, but you are so right. It’s impossible to have perspective when you’re only looking in..instead of out.
Posted by Jo Schaffer on May 16, 2011 at 7:14 pm
Awesome. Dang, you’re proactive. (=
Posted by Tracy on May 16, 2011 at 9:55 pm
…trying to be Jo!
Posted by 1959duke on May 18, 2011 at 12:36 pm
Through the years “Jack” and I have had numerous talks. In a much more serious it is important to give back to others. You never know that one day you might be in that situation.
Posted by Tracy on May 18, 2011 at 8:16 pm
True enough, Mike. You never know what life’s going to throw your way…or take away.
Posted by pattisj on May 18, 2011 at 5:37 pm
Big Brothers & Big Sisters is an awesome choice! You’ve started off well. You’ll have to keep us posted on that.
Posted by Tracy on May 18, 2011 at 8:17 pm
I certainly will Patti. Nice to hear from you, as always!