Page 28 - 2018 July Voices

ON THE PATH

and a result of saying ‘yes’ too often . . . but when I also enjoy helping others discover Pathways.
they become resentments I’m doing no one any I want people to find the warm fuzzy interior

favors. And my attitude stinks. of a project instead of getting stuck on the cold
But I did have fun last year—not right at the prickly interface. I like troubleshooting so that
end—but it used to be fun. Hmm, I asked myself someone gets to the good stuff. I don’t like the

what was fun about last year. First, learning negativity, but if I can help someone get to an
Pathways! Yes, that was fun for me (and maybe ‘ah-ha!’ moment—it is worth it.
I’m the only one). I love solving puzzles and being I also want to get back to discovery, finding
a detective. I liked that it was a new program that my own golden nuggets in future Paths. (I also

no one—not even the DTMs—knew anything discovered that I enjoy writing articles for the
about. Pathways was the great unknown, the District e-zine and linking Pathways into those
undiscovered curriculum, the path not taken. I articles is easy to do.) I like sharing fun with
enjoyed the discovery—finding golden nuggets others.

in each Path I signed up for. That was fun. So, for me, novelty, discovery and technology
Second, making videos for the D7 Pathways are fun. Whereas saying ‘yes’ when I should say
Virtual Academy. I liked doing that! It was fun. ‘no’ and allowing that to build resentments is
It was new. It was helpful. I found out much totally unfun. Yes, I did it to myself. I am the

about videos without really trying. I discovered a author of my lack of fun for the end of last
new way to connect with people via technology. year—I realize that now. I am in Toastmasters
I like computers, I like new tech, and I like to learn. And I’ve learned that if it is not fun,
Toastmasters—great fit. then I don’t like it.

This year will be fun! How do I know? Well,
I’m practicing saying ‘no’ at the right time (except
to my cats—they don’t take ‘no’ sitting down).
I am taking a short vacation to refresh myself.

And, I am looking forward to getting back into
the material I enjoy. That’s my resolution! What’s
yours?
James Wantz joined

Toast masters in 2008. He
is a member of New Horizons
and Feedbackers. He has served
in several club and District roles

over the years. This year he serves as
VP Education for Feedbackers and
Pathways coordinator, coach and
mentor.

28 ONE COMMUNITY