I think we all feel kind of invisible at times. Jealousy is something that can make me feel invisible. Rejection can make me feel invisible. Not being the center of attention can make me feel invisible (which I find interesting since I decided I'm probably an introvert--the jury is still out on that one though). Not having my desires taken into account by other people can make me feel the most invisible. When I feel invisible it is usually because I feel I deserve to be treated better or because I think "If only..." then life would be better and I wouldn't be invisible.
What I think counteracts the invisible/insecure feelings is having a measure of contentment. Attaining this would happen differently for everybody, but will generally have something to do with changing perspective or attitude. So go ahead, I dare you to answer the sentence, "For me to gain a measure of contentment without changing any of my circumstances, I need to..."
I feel more content than I ever have in my life, despite sometimes feeling invisible. What I most recently read in Afflictions by Edith Schaeffer is that we can only ask/expect to have a measure of contentment. We are not perfect beings and therefore can't reach a fulfillment of contentment. I believe I have a measure of it, and that makes me feel like I'm "traveling light". And because I'm feeling this way, I'd like to go on a new venture. (Don't worry, I'm still keeping my job!) I don't know what this means, and I'd love some guidance. Brainstorming is not my forte. All my brain can process is that I want to find something where my talents or skills can be used for something I'm passionate about. I don't know exactly what I'm passionate about, but if I had to pick some interest areas they would be elderly people, homeless people, women and children in poverty, people who are depressed, people who are disabled. I'm generally a worker bee but I'd also love to be part of something dynamic. I think there's something out there, but I haven't found it just by perusing the volunteer websites or church bulletins.
Comment away if you have any suggestions!
4 comments:
http://www.mercyships.org/
Rachel, thanks for the suggestion! I'm thinking new venture in Tucson though...;)
I feel like I am the perpetual volunteer. I seem to have the inability to say "no" to anyone. Some of the places that I help at are: American Red Cross, soccer coach for the local recreation center, tutor for local college and some elementary school children, proctor for the school exams, build quilts for the Armed Services YMCA (Operation Kid Comfort), help organize the monthly family events for my husband's unit, help restock books at the school library or anything the media coordinator needs assistance with, etc. In the past I also volunteered to do research at the Social Work Clinic on post. 8 months of that was all I could handle. I am a stay at home mom and don't like sitting around. Not sure if any of these are up your alley but maybe it can give you a few more ideas.
Amy
Thanks Amy! I love the suggestions. I can't believe you do all that! I suppose I would be the person with the inability to say yes!
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