Your eyes must not determine what you see…..
This is how my husband found me this morning….
The Grumpy Elf
I ignored his remark that “it’s the most understated I’ve looked in ages’.
With bells on my shoes and a song in my heart I was alas a Grumpy Elf. Why? Well if you’re sitting comfortably then I’ll begin.
A big part of the work I do is to challenge inequality in society. As an adviser I work with some of the most disadvantaged members of our Highland communities. Today our project had a stall at a Christmas Bazaar held in one of the community centres. I was there to promote our advice service and particularly to raise awareness about fuel poverty. - a sad reality. I meet people every day who live on benefits or who are elderly or have a disability – sometimes all three – who have to make the tough choice whether to eat or to heat their home.
So, as I hauled myself out of bed this morning I fumbled for my slippers and pulled on my dressing gown. Our home was warm and I could have a hot shower whenever I wanted. There was food in the fridge for breakfast. Outwardly I was warm and happy, but inside I was grumpy and annoyed that so many others are wakening to very different situations in homes across Scotland.
So today I was dressed as a funny elf, but, as the title of this post suggests, ‘your eyes must not determine what you see’ because inside I was a grumpy elf – determined to raise awareness that there are things that can be done, even on a small level. By popping in to our project, we can check the people are receiving the right level of benefit and liaise with fuel providers to ensure they are getting the discount – social tariff – they are entitled to. OK it’s not going to change the world but it will impact on the level of fuel poverty experienced by many.
I had a fantastic day, hell we all need a bit of changing the world – even in a small way. So having returned I sit here with a cup of coffee and a full appointment book for next week.
So I’ve chatted with so many people this morning I now have virtually no voice left. I’ve danced with the Brownies, I’ve judged competitions and I’ve eaten far too many free mince pies. I’ve also chatted with some of the local councillors about why I’m so grumpy 
Of course there have got to be some perks for grumpy elves and this one was no exception……..I got to sit on Santa’s knee!
The book sitting beside my computer as I write this is Mary Anne Radmacher’s Lean into Your Life. The cover says’ “start each day as if it were on purpose’ – so I did – a Grumpy Elf with a purpose. I might not have changed the world, but hell do I feel good this afternoon.
Off now to fight with the staff at the local Vodaphone shop about the upgrade of my phone. Might just keep the costume on for that 
Like this:
14 Comments »
Comments positively encouraged...........
RSS Link Thing
Awards
I admire the work you do to keep utilities and warmth in the homes of the less privileged. We have a similar problem here in the States, and the solutions range locally from each Utility company. Where I live we have a “bank” that can be established where donations made are used dollar for dollar to pay the heating bills of the poor, and there is a sign-up for the poor to prevent oil and gas deliveries, as well as electric to be made despite their inability to pay right now. These deferred bills are usually covered by donation and charity without affecting the rates of others.
You may want to take Santa along to the VodaPhone store…
As I re-read my note, it occurs to me I meant to say prevent delivery of service from being curtailed, not prevent oil and gas deliveries. No ability to edit comments… Ugh.
I caught your drift Phil – but that’s an annoying wordpress oversight isn’t it!
That’s really interesting Phil. Here many people on Social Security Benefits have pay as you go meters, but these charge at a higher rate – I know, go figure! Many people don’t know that if they’re on benefits they are entitled to a ‘social tariff’ which entitles them to a lower cost – it’s really important to get the message out.
Great idea about taking Santa with me
Fair play to you.
Your picture made me smile. That’s the sort of thing I do on a whim, though I’m afraid not usually for such a good cause; just my own stupid sense of humour
I’ll tell you what Rosie, I’m with you. There’s nothing like flinging on a costume and throwing caution to the wind.
You star! What a fun and imaginative way to draw attention to such a serious issue.
It was quite good fun Joanna. I might just have to dress as an elf more often
You may have started as a grumpy elf, but you did a lot to raise awareness about the importance fuel poverty and it also looks like you stuck to your promise to smile by wearing what is possibly the best Christmas outfit ever. Who knows how many walked away with a keener awareness and will now hopefully use that knowledge to make positive impacts on the community. We have something similar to what another commenter mentioned – on our gas bill there is an option to pay a little extra. The gas company will in turn use that money to help families in need.
The world needs more elves like you!
Beth thank you. I think that’s a fantastic idea – Phil also mentioned this in his comment earlier. I’m definitely going to research this – we don’t have anything quite like that over here, but I’d really like to find out more. As for the costume my cats hated it. I scared them this morning because I had bells from the Christmas decorations on the laces on my shoes. When they heard me jingling down the hall they scattered – I think they though 20 cats with very heavy feet had invaded their household – chaos.
Thank you Joanna. Interestingly enough people were quite happy to talk to me looking like an elf (mmmm what does that say about me then?). Also – and here was the hook, people asked me why I was a grumpy elf – giving me the feed line I needed to say I was unhappy that people were paying money they couldn’t afford to pay to heat their home. Great day, thanks for your lovely comment.
Congratulations on a good day’s work. Well done, Grumpy.
Bravo, Grumpy Elf! Shout out to all who will hear: you have an important purpose and the many who are less fortunate than you appreciate your efforts. Karma will be good to you!
For a grumpy elf, you look quite chipper…
Thank you Lorna. Who couldn’t be chipper dressed in stripy socks and with bells on your shoes!