|
|
|
|
|
NAMI EASTSIDE |
NAMI Eastside News - From the Editor The NAMI Eastside
News “From the Editor” column is penned by Susan Rynas. You can reach
Susan via e-mail at sgrynas@yahoo.com (include "Newsletter”
in subject line) or contact the NAMI Eastside office at 425-885-NAMI (6264). FROM THE EDITOR: MARCH - APRIL 2003 In my life, I attempt to stay in the present moment as much as possible. It makes things easier, it is the place where the action is, and, ultimately, the present moment is the gift that life bestows upon us. With this personal focus, it occurs to me now to discard my intended editorial and proceed in a different direction. However, to allow an organic unfolding, let me initially back up a bit in time. Weeks ago, I received a flyer in the mail and two words jumped out at me—they were Town Hall printed in bold lettering across the top of the piece. The flyer was an invitation from King County Councilmember Rob McKenna to meet with him to listen and to share on March 1st in the Bellevue City Council Chambers. Feeling a connection, I wrote the time and place on my kitchen calendar under the appropriate date. This action established my intent. Next, to keep this date in my awareness, I decided to use the flyer as a bookmark in a book I am currently reading. (If you are interested, ask me about the book—it is a good one!) March 1st eventually arrived and turned out to be a potentially very busy Saturday with many possible choices as to how to spend my time. Multiple opportunities presented themselves—all good choices in and of themselves. I soon realized, however, that the "right" choice was already set in motion and well underway. Rob McKenna was waiting at Bellevue City Hall Chambers for constituents to show up – and I was one of them. The meeting was not a disappointment. In fact, it was most successful. Not only was Councilmember Rob McKenna there but also State Senator Luke Esser, State Senator Jim Horn and Bellevue Deputy Mayor Grant Degginger were in attendance. Each individual shared thoughtful, timely and informative current information with the audience. There was ample time for questions and give and take between representatives and constituents was lively and engaged. I had quality alone time with Rob, Luke, Jim and Grant. And, yes, it is okay to use first names. Elected officials are our representatives. They welcome and value relationships and feedback from their constituents. It is their job to listen to us, to hear us, and to act in our best interests. It is our job to show up. It is also our job to have an opinion and to voice it. Democracies do not work otherwise. Moral of my story: NAMI Eastsiders, the next time you receive an invitation in the mail from your representative, be it city, county, state, or federal – please allow that invitation to catch your eye. Pause long enough to note the time and date on your calendar and intend to show up. Our mission is to improve the lives of persons with a serious mental illness and those of their family members. Stay in the moment as much as you are able to. Do a "little bit" daily to work on our mission. Act with good and clear intentions. Real things happen. Connections are created. Networks expand. Relationships are deepened. Genuine communication occurs. Together, NAMI Eastsiders are making and will continue to make that positive difference in the mental health arena that we all so desire. At the next town meeting I attend, and at other meetings that I cannot even visualize yet, I know that I will see you there. Thanking you in advance for your volunteer hours, hard work, dedication, passion, intelligence, integrity, and caring. Till next time. Susan
|
|
