Thoughts on Raising $$$

I've decided to do something that is so "not me"....(well, on top of this whole blog adventure). I've decided to sign up for the Walk Now for Autism Speaks event in October. This event is to help raise funds for autism research and awareness. When my grandmother passed away a few weeks ago, in lieu of flowers she had people donate to this organization. I thought "Wow! What a great thing to do! I should really do something now to help like this." The problem is....I have NEVER been good at asking for help OR money. It's just not me. I always feel bad or guilty...like 'oh, people have their own issues and struggles...the last thing they need is someone pressuring them into giving their hard-earned $$ for something else'. I'm sure that's just a mask of my own insecurity due to the fact that I've just never been good at selling myself. In fact, I have my own private practice, and I am horrible about marketing and advertising. I am an "AVOID ALL TYPES OF CONFRONTATION UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY" kind of gal. I've gotten better since I married Michael because he openly welcomes confrontation regularly. But, I'm still not comfortable with it...and there's a part of selling yourself when trying to raise money whether it be for charity or a trip to the Bahamas. You've gotta be convincing. I've actually been thinking about doing the Walk for a couple of years (since we found out that Paisley has autism), but have never taken the first step. So, I start thinking "What am I afraid of? What's keeping me from it?" The answer is.....fear of failure. I work with clients daily on how to overcome the fear of failure and I know it's not an easy task, but can definitely be accomplished. Realistically, who cares if I don't raise a dime??? At least I tried...and one day I can look at both of my girls and say that I did something to actively help people come together to learn more about autism and maybe even work toward a good plan to cure and/or manage it better. The good Lord knows we need more answers and a better plan in our family, so I know there are thousands of others in the same situation! I am excited for the opportunity!! I've already recruited a few people and plan to recruit several more. Hopefully by Oct, we'll have met our goal....but in the end....if we don't, who cares?? At least we tried, and that's better than just thinking about trying!!


UPDATE  (9/23/12):  Our Walk Now for Autism Speaks team (Peeps for Pais) has raised more than $2000 for the cause, and we still have one month to go until the Walk takes place!!  That's twice the amount of our original goal set!  Yay!!! :)