Olympus 2009
Stepdown Speech
10-10-2009
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I was asked in advance, as is customary of titleholders, to prepare a stepdown
speech. Don’t worry. It will be short and sweet.
Each one that goes before adds something to the pathway that others will follow. I
have had the opportunity to walk the path blazed by those who have gone before.
Each and every title holder has the opportunity to continue on or forge new ground.
I believe that a sash has a weight of responsibility that comes with it. It has the
obligation to present the best of ones’ self, at times holding back personal feelings
or even righteous indignation, as well as portraying the best of the lifestyle has to
offer. A sash doesn’t make one more or less than what one already is although it
may give access to more opportunities. A sash can also make one a topic and a
target – be prepared and put it in perspective. How one handles the heights and the
valleys can test ones personal strengths – know this in advance and be prepared.
The best way to handle this is to put on your armor and put it into the proper point
of view and don’t forget to smile. A title year is just that … a title year and it will
pass. What is done will not long be remembered by others, what is done, how it is
done, will remain when the sash is passed on.
I was told prior to donning the sash that if I won it would not be what I expected it
to be. I was told that it would be an opportunity for growth and much more. Since
I had already been out, active and doing presentations for years I was pretty sure
that I knew what I was getting into. My title year held its share of frustrations but it
held ever so much more in what I learned about my community and their awesome
support. Regardless of all the differences the community is comprised of, if we care
to look, there is a thread of commonality on which we all can build if we choose to
seek the best rather than the worst.
What the sash did allow me to do was to reach out further in sharing my love of the
lifestyle with others by traveling more, sharing presentations, promoting Southeast
Olympus, our region and networking opportunities. A title holder, in many ways,
has the best case scenario to represent their community – they need to be cognizant
that they are really not out there alone but are there with the support of their
friends and their community.
The heartfelt thanks I felt was brought home time after time. Initially I was
amazed by all those who contributed to my auction basket and those who
contributed by bidding on the items at last years contest. In addition to the funds
raised there was a surprise fundraiser at 1763 and I would like to thank ARM as
well as Ms Whip. The last group of wonderful people I wish to thank are those
who stepped up to sponsor my travels throughout my entire title year through the
“Penny a Mile” campaign. Each month a report went out of where I had been and
the miles I had traveled … I took them everywhere with me in my heart and was so
deeply touched by their generosity. There were those who were also there
emotionally … they know who they were. Lastly, quietly and not so quietly, by my
side for much of the year has been my loyal and faithful KISA. Collectively
everyone made so much possible! Thank you.
If you love your community, if you feel you have something to share and have the
time to do so, research just what title would best fit your life and your passions. I
would like to encourage you to consider preparing yourself, get your support
network behind you and run for that title. Whether or not you win the title or wear
the sash it will be an unforgettable experience. Go ahead take the opportunity, the
experience and pay it forward.
Thank you for the opportunity to wear the sash of Ms Southeast Olympus this past
year.
Leather regards,
CC
Ms SE Olympus 2009
BRC Editor
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