If you have ever been to the GAC in Washington DC, you know that you had better purchase some good shoes beforehand.
It’s an intense week of networking, advocating, and education.
With speakers that you don’t want to miss, vendors you want to make sure to see, and peers from near and far at every turn—the GAC train simply doesn’t stop.
AND just when you think you may have a moment to sit…
*Bing*
An email inviting you to a social.
And another…
And another…
Before you know it, you are attending your 17th social about a social to discuss the previous socials.
I look forward to the GAC every single year.
From the moment that I was able to be a GAC crasher, to the following years as an attendee—it is always a good time.
The problem, however, lies in the fact that I simply can’t do everything.
Oh, I want to.
My mind and heart want to.
My body says, “pass the Tylenol”.
I won’t bore you with the long medical terms of what I struggle with.
I will just say that my heart wants to do so much more than my legs are willing to allow.
My dad and I share a blood clotting disorder in our legs that can be downright scary and after losing my father I have finally realized that I need to listen to what my body is telling me.
Sometimes it says “no” and in the past I simply would not listen, end up in the hospital, and agonize over how I truly hate the limitations.
It was a cycle that didn’t serve anyone or anything.
I used to feel like I had to explain myself when I would sit something out or need to go back to my room.
“I’m sorry but I . . . blah blah blah and also blah”
Nobody cares.
I mean don’t get me wrong, people care but the details aren’t needed.
Sometimes your best is showing up and doing all the things and other times your best is saying, “I can’t do this one, but I hope that you have the best time!”.
I have learned that at places such as the GAC, sometimes I have to sit one thing out to be healthy for another.
I have to pick and choose.
I have to say no.
I have to sit down when others are standing.
It has taken me well over 40 years to understand and realize that none of those things listed above determine my worth as an employee and respected representative of the credit union movement.
I can be an advocate whether I am standing or sitting.
I can be a vital voice regardless of if I attend this session but not that one.
When events like the GAC come up, we all run this marathon of credit union advocacy.
We want to do it all.
I’m here to remind you that sometimes your best changes from day to day and that is okay, my friends.
If you miss a speaker, or that 145th social…
If you sit when others are standing…
If you go back to your hotel room for a power nap before rallying your body for the next round...
It IS okay.
You are STILL a worthy advocate.
You deserve to be here.
YOU are enough to keep this movement moving just as you are.
No FOMO needed.
