Dispersing Stress the Fun Way

Years ago, I was at the centre of a number of volcanoes.   These ‘Volcanoes’  were political and social organisations I had joined.  They were very active, often in conflict with authority, often  had serious issues to get across.

I was working myself into an early grave with all these unpaid commitments so decided to become  A Flake.

A Flake is my term for someone who can not be relied upon.   A person who is so ditzy she mixes up days of the week,  or who goes out for lunch and forgets to come back.

I became a Flake for survival.

Being a Flake was in direct conflict to the persona I had created.   Yes, there was a time when  to Make My Name I had to Prove Myself.  I had to be known, I had to Carve a Niche.

In furtherance of my need to become important I took on a lot of commitments.  I joined a lot of organisations. Every month my diary was full.

First Monday; (after a full day of work) The Meeting of Management Committee of Organisation 1.

First Tuesday; (after a full day of work) Monthly Meeting of Organisation 2.

First Wednesday; (after a full day of work) Meeting of the Executive Committee of Organisation 1.

Every Thursday, (after a full day of work) meeting of Organisation 3

Second Monday; after a full day of work Meeting of Executive of Organisation 4

Second Tuesday, yes, after a full day of work Board Meeting of Organisation 5…

On and on until almost every day in the week had a meeting.   And I didn’t just go and sit in the back. No. I had to be at the meetings because  I strove to Get a Position in every Organisation/Agency I belonged to. I could not just be ‘a member’.

Almost every day in the week, after a full day of work I had to not merely attend a meeting, I was expected to perform.

On the few days there were no meetings I looked about everything else, from shopping to visiting friends, to attending functions.  I had to show up at places, even when I was not invited. I had to maintain my Status.
I could not be seen at important function, for it would effect my status.

I had to go, to be, Until I became a Flake.