A fund raiser can learn a lot from Winnie the Pooh, whose creator, A. A. Milne, was born January 18, 1882.  It takes a flexible ego to be a fund raiser.  Pooh has a remarkable ability to slide between self assurance and modesty.
 
There are times when our profession requires us to submit ourselves to almost-secretarial support of an executive director, board member, or donor.  There are other times when we, as fund raisers, are the creative force of the organization, with mind-blowing expanses of responsibility.
 
We sometimes work for months behind the scenes.  On other occasions, if we are fortunate, we return triumphant from a donor visit and are greeted by astonished acclaim from our colleagues.  If you can continuously increase your territory at the Important end of the spectrum, and still be comfortable at the Modest end, you will serve your organization well.  And if you ever feel under appreciated, say to yourself, "Impossible without me.  That sort of bear."

Happy Winnie the Pooh Day.