Happy World Breastfeeding Awareness Week! You must be wondering what I have planned for this week dedicated to breastfeeding. What big thing will she do? Well to be honest have been asking myself that very question.
About a month ago I thought I would have that celebratory nurse-out I talked about. But amidst two family vacations in July, blogging, work and day-to-day life it just didn’t happen. More than those two factors though it has been the pressure I put on myself to do something “big and important” that has caused me to bury my head in the sand. I like to think big. But big thoughts also freak me out. Going beyond my comfort zone can be, well, uncomfortable.
I would like to think that the breastfeeding awareness I want to help create in the world can be created beyond my blog in the real world. Can I get my ass of this chair and make a difference in my community at home as well as in the blogosphere? My self-confidence has taken a nose dive. Would I pull off a nurse-out? Would people come and participate? If a reporter interviewed me would I be able to say something intelligent and meaningful or would I just ramble on like an idiot as sometimes happens when I am put on the spot. Writing has always been my preferred mode of communication. It’s wonderful to be able to edit your thoughts and words, don’t you think? Basically I feel like painting a capital ‘F’ on my forehead for FAIL. I don’t even have a giveaway lined up for this week. Sigh.
My friend just called me. I told her what I was doing and how I was feeling. She said something that did make me feel better, although I still wish I had planned the nurse-out. The jist of what she said was this: “Mel, You do create breastfeeding awareness in the world. Doing something small at home can’t really compare to what you are achieving for women on a much larger scale. So be gentle with yourself and remember that while some people might be doing something extra special for World Breastfeeding Awareness week, you do something for breastfeeding awareness everyday!” I guess this is true. I know I can be hard on myself sometimes. It’s my desire to do things big that get my head and my heart into trouble. It’s good to have friends to remind you that you’re already successful. Thanks Hayley.
But next year, or maybe even before then – watch out! Here I come!
Related posts:
One of the problems with Breastfeeding Week is that it falls at the busiest part of summer. On the one hand I can understand that you want it to be warm out when everyone’s out at events, but on the other hand it does make it difficult to co-ordinate. That’s one reason our local breastfeeding support group always has our event in June.
Happy Breastfeeding Awareness Week! And I agree, you’re raising awareness every day with your blog. You deserve a pat on the back.
Happy breastfeeding week ^_^ You do a fab job ALL the time — your friend is so right!
Thanks @Amber and @Desiree Fawn. I so appreciate your support. I had a great day today just letting it all go. @Amber You make a good point about it being in the middle of summer when people are extra busy. I didn’t even take that into account.
[...] might want to subscribe to my RSS feed. I hope you enjoy your visit today and come back soon!After yesterday’s lament about the pressure I put on myself to do something “big and important” for World [...]
[...] are always good days to organize your week and make goals. Now that everyone knows what I wanted to do this week and what I am doing for World Breastfeeding Awareness Week instead, I thought it should [...]
Writing is my preferred mode of communication too – I’m also not very good at saying intelligent and thought-out things when put on the spot
And I agree with your friend – I always enjoy reading your blog!