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Nov/Dec 2024 | Vol. 81 No. 6

Embracing the Blank Page

By Dr. Beverly Hall-Maughan

2024-2026 International President

t is the fifth day of the
Imonth of October, and this
message was due on the first
day. Failed attempt after failed
attempt at writing anything
that was half-way interesting,

not to mention captivating,
left me staring at a blank page. I found myself
trapped in an endless cycle of brainstorming, with
each false start feeling inadequate. The pressure to to be removed, we should consider what needs to be
produce something, anything, led to overthinking and included. Embracing the blank page allows us to be
scrutinizing every word. innovative, fostering creativity and freedom. Revising
Eventually, I resorted to avoiding the inevitable our governing documents involves a complete overhaul

by doing chores like washing clothes, driving to the or significant rewrite of the entire document. This might
pharmacy, and in an act of desperation, even sweeping result in changes to how our organization operates,
and mopping the floors, all the while returning to that including governance, membership, decision-making,
empty page between each writing attempt. When voting, and more. But, if we embrace the blank page, it
avoidance was no longer an option, I reluctantly will allow us to gather input, discuss, and review each
faced that blank page yet again. Writing felt like an section with members before creating the final draft. In
insurmountable task. How is it possible to have so simplistic terms, the developed draft might be thought
many thoughts, opinions, views, ideas, and world- of as one large, proposed amendment.
changing concepts in one’s mind, yet struggle to write Throughout development, the Bylaws Revision Task

a single coherent thought? The blankness of the page Force will gather input and share progress through
felt like a judgement and a reminder of all I had not yet collaboration with international committees and Town
accomplished. Halls open to all members. By revisiting and revising
Feeling defeated, I decided to take a break and our bylaws, we can ensure our organization’s relevance
indulge in one last motivational activity – eating and longevity as we approach our centennial milestone.
chocolate. Surprisingly, this led me to a revelation. This approach honors our past while positioning our
Instead of seeing the blank page as a challenge filled organization for a successful future, one that is ready

with gaping holes, I could view it as an opportunity to meet the challenges of our second century.
filled with unlimited possibilities. Perhaps this shift in Although I am unsure how the act of turning to
perspective could break my writer’s block. And indeed, chocolate led to this shift in perspective, I appreciated
it did. the change and
This change in perspective made me realize that decided to reward
we could approach revising our governing documents myself — with more
in the same way. Rather than focusing on what needs chocolate.

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