I Didn’t Feel Like Going, but I’m Glad I Did

I went to a professional event last month and I spent almost 20 minutes looking through my closet to find something appropriate to wear (that still fit). Given the virtual work during the pandemic, I haven’t needed to dress up nearly as much. This moment made me realize just how stressful networking and outreach can be, and professional fundraisers are required to do these things all the time.

I’m an introvert, which became even more apparent during the pandemic, so attending events requires a great deal of physical and mental energy for me. While we all want to be around other people again after being separated for so long, there many of us who are also experiencing trepidation in engaging in normal social discourse. Maybe you are feeling this way too, and the return to office and/or networking is stressing you out.

The New York Times recently posted an essay called, “I Didn’t Feel Like Going, but I’m Glad I Did: My Motto of the Moment.” The author talks about how going out and starting to interact with people in-person again feels like it’s going to be difficult, and I agree. But she also says that every time she drags herself out of the house to go to a group fitness class, synagogue, or a party, she’s always glad that she went. Taking a page from her book, I am starting out small, and I hope you will too. While you might not see me at a conference in the coming months, I’m happy to meet you for lunch. 🙂 – https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/05/opinion/pandemic-home-going-out.html

Rachel Werner, MPA, GPC, PMP, Owner & CEO of RBW Strategy

#MentalHealthMonday