Friday, July 1, 2011

Feeling the Tribal Love

So I'm here at the AG. I had been wavering about attending after I lost; unlike Barry, I wasn't to up to facing people who clearly didn't want me.

But time heals and I received more and more calls, emails, and texts from friends and colleagues, encouraging me to not hide in a hole. They made it clear that anyone who actually worked with me or follows what goes on at the national level, anyone who pays attention to the reports and other work I've done... they all know I am too valuable to lose. That's really nice to hear, and with enough repetitions, including from people I don't know well, personally, I pulled out of my funk and decided I needed to attend.

I need to show Mensa that I am not crushed and hiding with my tail between my legs. I need to demonstrate that I wasn't doing all this work and running for office just because I wanted fame, glory, and a trip to Europe. And I needed... the hugs and reassurance from my tribe.

I'm getting that, in spades.

"I'm so glad to see you!"
"The wrong person won."
"Can I talk you into staying on Name & Logo? You're the expert and we need you."
"I voted for you, and I told my whole group to vote for you, too."
"I don't think the AMC is ready for any change, but if anyone can get something done to improve the governance, it's you."
"Woo hoo!"
"I just can't believe what happened with the election... How sad for Mensa."
"Will you do this? And stay on this committee and maybe do....?"
"You are planning on running again next year, right?"
"We neeeeeeeddddd you!"

I am here. And except for a few moments of discomfort, it feels good. I am still raising my hand to take on a few large national level jobs.... Roles that interest me. Projects where I think I can make a difference. Challenges that will stretch me and broaden my Mensa expertise even further. Perhaps I'll let my readers guess and reveal what my new positions are after the AG.


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