pressure

[MysteryMama]

Sometimes I feel so much pressure being an intactivst. I feel really good about trying to make any kind of difference I can, but whenever I talk to someone who is thinking about circ'ing their sons/future sons, I feel so much pressure knowing that what I say could possibly mean the difference between a child being mutilated. I get so scared I'll say the wrong thing, or say the right thing in the wrong way or something like that. In person, I have always prided myself on my "powers of persuasion". Since I was a kid I have always been good at talking people into things, which sometimes got me and others in trouble, lol. So I know how what you say and how you say it can make (or not make) a big difference. DOn't get me wrong, I'll still try no matter how much I may worry or doubt myself or how much pressure I feel. I know it's better to try than do nothing. I have just never before felt like what I was trying to convince someone about was so important.

[trmpetplaya]

For me it's a bit like stage fright.... except more so because it's infinitely more important. Thoughts like "will I mess everything up with a misplaced word or sentence?" go through my head. I find it's easiest for me to have printed materials and to go into the discussion after having re-acquainted myself with the facts so that they are all fresh in my mind.

I was raised by a lawyer and usually find it quite easy to get people to see things my way But that definitely doesn't stop the nervousness from being there...

And the times that I have made a difference outnumber the times that I have tried and not made an immediate difference (though maybe someday with a future child, what I say might take root or they may mention that there's a choice to another friend who didn't know it was a choice) so I take much comfort in that

The key is to try. If you try you have not failed!

love and peace.