YOU Are An Inspiration!

Often, I know even I have issues with feeling like I barely make a difference in the SCA. I look at the large pond, like at Pennsic, and feel that there I am like many others. I have hopes, I have dreams, I have hobbies, I have enthusiasm. But, because of that, I don't stand out.

I also know that I have used, and heard others use, the term 'be the changes you want to see'. Tonight I was sitting down and really thinking about that. Be the change. How is being the change you want to see going to do much of anything?

Here is an example. My Commedia Troupe is hurting for attendance. We could really use more participants or, even as important, audience members. We aren't pushy. There is no hierarchy. We all just like to have fun and would like to have fun with more people. People are nervous about joining us, though. They feel like it would be awkward and, worse, 'what can one person do'. How can they support us, because they like what we are doing, without participating in the acting? How could they help us to raise our attendance so they can see more of what they enjoy?

Be the change you want to see.

Do you realize how influential you are? Do you realize how people look up to you? Do you realize what a difference YOU can make? YOU are an inspiration! Don't push it off on someone else. Don't think that someone else will do it and you can just sit back quietly. This isn't somebody else's problem. Go out there! Support the things you love!

Are you in this kind of situation? Do you find there is something in your Barony/Shire or even your Kingdom that seems to be lacking? Are you perhaps not so good at what it is (be it fighting, fencing, archery, calligraphy, etc), but you want to see it grow and prosper because you really do enjoy it, even if you can't do it? Be that change!

Sometimes all you need to do is go to the meetings. Take an hour or two, bring your crafts you are able to do with you, maybe, and go and just... be a support. It raises morale just to have new people. It refreshes the crew. I can't even begin to express how wonderful it has been to have A&S night on the same evening as Vocal Group in my area. The vocal group has an audience! Sometimes people hum along! It brightens everyone's mood to share their passions. There is no reason to agonize over 'I can't do that'.

People will notice. You will stand out. You will make a change for the better. Perhaps coming to the archery practice to watch people shoot will inspire you to song and the archers may be inspired to go to another practice in their area to learn, or even just watch. We are a community that our strength is in supporting one another.

So never think that you wont make a difference. Never believe that your voice wont be heard or that you are invisible. You are you, and because of that, you are incredible. You are an inspiration. You are a rockstar!

To read more about being a rock star, go here: ROCK STAR!!

To read more about responsibility in a volunteer organization, go here: Somebody Else's Problem