Nervous about tomorrow

[Stippler]

Hi Everybody. Tomorrow afternoon I am going to volunteer at my church. They have recently had to lay off all of their employees except for the minister. It was not what they wanted to do, but times are tough. There is a new group of volunteers for staff members. I know some of them, but not others. Those who I do know, I don't know very well. Tomorrow is my first day with this new arrangement. I am nervous I might say or do something stupid or inconsiderate, and have them telling me they don't need me anymore. I have worked there for17 years, and if it weren't for them, I would literally never leave my home. They are my life line. I have to keep it together and try to keep my mouth shut, but I am really anxious about it.

[Blueruth]

No reason to worry. I have been a volunteer and worked with volunteers. They should honor that you don't have to be there but rather you chose to be there and treat you accordingly. Usually they are really appreciative for the help. Just go with an open mind. If you see something poorly run wait a week before you ask to make some improvements.

[Stippler in reply to Blueruth]

Good idea. Thanks!

[Stippler]

The minister told me he needs me to do two of the things I normally do when I am there, which is a relief because that's the usual routine for me, and I am good at it. I just hope my schizophrenia doesn't scare away the people I don't know. I am sort of afraid of strangers and I'm scared it is going to show, and that they might "steer clear of me" because they think I am crazy.

[Blueruth in reply to Stippler]

That's a reasonable concern. You don't know how tolerant they are and they may not know how to behave around you. I would speak to the minister because they know you. The two of you (not him alone) should decide how to handle it. Do you address it up front or wait? Problem solve it so that if you do have symptoms they know what to do or how to think about it. If it were me I would really appreciate it if the discussion were open. I wouldn't want to cause you discomfort any more than you would want to cause me discomfort. I know enough about schizophrenia to know that it isn't like the stereotypes but not enough to know if it is okay to ask about. Open conversation is the best way to solve it.

Bonus is you are an advocate for yourself and for any other person with a physical or mental challenge.

[Stippler in reply to Blueruth]

Thank you Blueruth. That is a lot to think about! Some good suggestions. The minister is the person who will be giving me a ride since I don't have a car. I will discuss it with him on the way and see what his thoughts would be. The good news is it is a very open minded church (I wouldn't be a member if otherwise). I have known many of these people for 30+ years. It just that the strangers can intimidate me sometimes. Sometimes I am even intimidated around people I know, if I haven't seen them in a while. But I am trying to be confident and trust all of them because they would not be there if their intentions are bad. Faith & trust.

[Blueruth in reply to Stippler]

Sounds like you are in a good spot!

[Stippler]

Thank you PurpleBones!

[Stippler]

Thank you Red488! You are very kind.

[Arymretep]

Well done, good luck 👍

[101315]

Hey Stippler, sorry to hear about the new arrangement but also low key glad you are not losing your position. Sending you some positive vibes during this transition.

[Stippler in reply to 101315]

Thank you! One thing I have learned in these 17 years at this job is, when you volunteer, you definitely have job security! I just need to make sure the newbies aren't scared off by me lol.

[101315 in reply to Stippler]

You will do fine. Your artwork is a perfect segue. Fascinate them and dazzle them and they will warm up very quickly to you as I have.

[Stippler in reply to 101315]

Oh thank you 101315!

[Chanelbaron]

The people are surely grateful for your help. Introducing yourself to anyone you don’t know can break the ice. Or just go about and do what needs to be done or ask a person u know what to do. It’ll be fine. Say thanks already for this new opportunity. Life loves gratitude.

[Tara52]

Praying it all goes smoothly and harmoniously. God always blesses us in our good deeds. Your church needs you now more than ever. Don't let the "enemy " talk you out of it!🙏😍

[Stippler]

Well, I did NOT go to work at church today. The landlord told me they were coming to patch a hole in my wall, and I needed to be here for that, since the company doing that has no key. I had to have my bathtub faucet replaced last week, and they had to cut a hole in my bedroom wall to do that. Anyway, they said they were coming today so I cancelled going to church. But the landlord called late this afternoon and said they would be here Friday instead. The minister is going on sabbatical for the next 2 weeks, so he said they won't need me for 3 weeks. Anyway, it was a false alarm. So, I will be spending the next 2 weeks drawing, and go to church 3 weeks from today. Thank you all for your encouraging words. I feel good about going back to church. I think it will all be just fine. I hope all of you are having a great Wednesday!