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Yada, Yada, Yada

Phyllis Harmon, DTM, PDG - Publisher/Editor

Here I am again complaining that I never know when to say “NO!” You
would think that as many times as I’ve aired this particular failing, that I

would be smarter. But I’m not. Whether it is signing up for a new blog I’ll
never read, taking on roles I have no time to prepare for, or just trying to
meet my own expectations and deadlines, I have to confess that I’m an abject
failure.
But any time I’m approached with another request for help, I can’t resist

saying yes. I remind myself that I am not a masochist, that I say yes because
somebody needs me. I sign up for blogs that catch my fleeting interest. I
have blogs for learning photography, writing my memoirs, and becoming a

mentor and coach. At one point before Covid, I spent an exhorbitant amount
of money for a how-to program on creating my own business. The blogs and
the program are still with me, poking me, nagging me to pay attention and
DO something.
And why am I bringing this up again? Because I need someone to say

“Enough is enough! STOP IT!” Toastmasters hasn’t taught me to be discerning.
It has taught me to be open to new experiences, to help where help is needed, EDITORIAL
to be flexible in my thinking and actions. Okay—I think I have those lessons

fully and completely learned.
So now I am thinking about shedding some of what I think I need to do.
There are others who can lend a hand with the ever-increasing needs of the
District. Others who can fill leadership roles who are younger, eager, and
willing to learn. I will always be available to share what I’ve learned, serve

on a committee or two but at the same time slowly extricate myself from
everything else so that I can focus on those blogs and programs that are
awaiting my attention.

And that’s my complaint and personal call to action. It is
also why this issue of Voices! is at least two weeks overdue.

Volume 8 Issue 05 November 2021 Monthly Columnists 2021-22 Officers Administrative Manager
Publisher David Freedman, IP3 District Director Graham Smith, PM2
Phyllis Harmon, DTM Eldred Brown, DTM Eldred Brown, DTM
Harvey Schowe, DTM Public Relations Manager
Senior Editor Jennifer Schmidt, EH2 Program Quality Director Stephana Johnson, DL3
Phyllis Harmon, DTM Jim Robison, DTM Lorri Andersen, DTM
Lee Coyne, ATMS Club Growth Director
Associate Editor Lorri Andersen, DTM Jim Robison, DTM Voices! is published monthly by District 7
Leanna Lindquist, DTM Paul Fanning, DTM Toastmasters. First issue published August
PJ Kleffner, DTM Finance Manager 2014. Submit articles or contact us at
voices@d7toastmasters.org
Stephana Johnson, DL3 Jamie Gould, CC

VOICES! | NOVEMBER 2021 3