Being honest to yourself, is the only way to be.

I can tell you with 100% certainty that aging for me has given me the strength to do what I know is best for ME so that ultimately I can be the best for YOU, anyone and everyone in my life with top priority being my family.

A few years ago I made the decision to take a year off from Great Strides fundraising. It took 3 years of thinking about it, crying about it, bugging my husband about it before I actually did it. The guilt I had, feeling like a failure of a parent if I didn't fundraise, kept me from doing what I needed to do for me, in order to do what's best for my family.

I was feeling worn-down, stressed, overwhelmed, burdened and I felt that if I didn't take a break, I was going to break. So in 2009 I announced that I would not do any sort of fundraising for the 2010 year. Most everyone understood and applauded me for doing what I needed to do for ME. Who did not like it was the Director of the Iowa CFF Chapter but she quickly got over it.

Well, the time has come for me to be completely honest to myself again…I met with our Iowa Director (different from the 2009 year) and announced that I will be downsizing my fundraising efforts for next year's Great Strides walk. She took the news well, after I had to remind her to breathe. :) I knew that with the walk being over they will soon start working on next year's budget, so I wanted her to know that she may not be able to count on the $20K Andrea's angels tends to bring in every year.

I will still write a campaign letter asking for donations, so I'm not going to do nothing; but the reason for doing less is many…

• I have to prepare for a graduation open house
• Help Andrea if needed with scholarship opportunities
• Get my taxes done early so we can apply for the FAFSA
• I'm on the post-prom fundraising committee
• I'm on the high school band fundraising committee for the band Spring break trip to Italy
• I'm on a school board, assisting with fundraising to help teachers with mini grants, Hall Fame Inductees and school improvement projects
• I'm a member of the Facility Advisory Committee for our school system
• I have my son's needs to look after too

The list could go on and on, but I think you get the picture. Really, with Andrea's graduation I just have more on my plate that I'm willing to handle. I'm being honest and letting everyone know that I will downsize my role with CFF fundraising for next year.

I have more to say about this matter, but will wait to do so at a later time. For now I just wanted everyone to know since I made it official with our CFF office and a couple of other CF mamas I know. 

In the meantime, if this triggers you to want to increase your fundraising efforts…go for it. But remember, be honest with yourself and do what you can if you're able.

Peace and love,

Susie