Congratulations or Condolences?

To say I've been on a whirlwind lately is an understatement. About a month ago, I was approached by the acting president for the board of directors at Mental Health America of the Triangle (MHAT) where I've worked as a family advocate on and off since 2000, consistently 'on' since 2007. Our executive director had submitted his resignation and our board asked me to serve as interim executive director while they worked on a permanent plan for leadership. The side note was that in addition to assuming the top role of the organization on an interim basis they also needed me to assume the responsibilities as project director for one of our programs, Reclaiming Futures (RF). I have been intrigued with RF since we were funded for it two years ago because of it's a national initiative to prevent substance abuse in adolescents and to connect families of youth entering the juvenile justice system with treatment services and community resources - an important, ambitious project.

I must confess that I was completely surprised by the offer and also intrigued at the option for a new challenge. By saying 'yes' I quickly learned that my first official week on the job I was going to have to be in Miami for a leadership conference with Reclaiming Futures. I'm not fond of travel - unless it's a cruise ship - so was beginning to worry that I had taken on more than I really wanted in the way of a job. Yep - the dreaded 'second thoughts' hit me like a wave of nausea. I felt the need for quick reinforcement or quick confirmation that I needed to bail, immediately, so did what any other good girl does. I emailed my dad to ask for his opinion.

Dad has always been brutally honest and I knew if there were any facets I wasn't prepared to handle for the position he would quickly point them out to me. I kept second-guessing my decision, asking myself what in the hell have you said 'yes' to and wishing I hadn't responded so quickly to the request. But, it wouldn't be the first time I had reacted impulsively and had regretful worries. Dad was taking his own sweet time replying to my email which added to my paranoia. I was certain he was going to respond with a lineup of reasons why I should renig on the acceptance.

When I finally received his response, instead of chastisement, dad was supportive. He said he felt I was more than competent to handle the responsibilities as an executive director and believed I was going to be a good leader for the organization. He offered me affirmations which was exactly what I needed.

As the announcement of my new position filtered out into the community I heard from many friends and professional acquaintances. One asked me, "Should I offer your congratulations, or condolences?" We laughed together and I said maybe a little of both. But isn't that a universal truth about most everything? There are pros and cons to everything.

Ecclesiastes tells us "To everything there is a season and a purpose under heaven," which helps me accept that I'm here today for a reason and it's my charge to do the best job I'm capable of doing. If I fall short it won't be for lack of trying because I was brought up by two parents who were great role models of integrity and hard work. They molded me into the person I am today and when it comes right down to it, I'm not really afraid of a new challenge. I'm more fearful of not meeting other peoples' expectations or needs but, as my dad pointed out, when I give the job all I've got then there's a high chance I'll get things done effectively.

So, here I am - on a new journey and ready to rise to the challenge. Wish me luck!