Don’t be part of a Telenovela

I want to begin with a question. How does gossip in the workplace start? One never knows who to trust and whom to confide in, in a work environment. On a personal note? My rule is to avoid becoming part of a Telenovela. It does not matter the length of time at your job; it is all the same. Gossip is gossip! Honestly, I have been pulled into the web of gossip, and I am here to say that it does not end well. 

I want to list a few things to keep as a reminder of what not to do.

1. Avoid Venting: The chances are that you will become peeved at something at one time or another. The automatic response is to unleash your frustration to a co-worker, not realizing that it can be used against you or taken out of context or worse. If you don’t want your personal stuff to circulate in the office, keep it to yourself. 

2. Avoid Triggers: Many times, someone will tell you. “I am going to tell something, but you can not repeat it.” That is your cue to pivot to something else. Chances are you don’t need to know whatever they want to tell you. Use the following mantra, “it is not their story to tell or yours!” This will not happen overnight. It takes practice over time. 

3. Don’t get sucked in: Don’t let the audience be you. You don’t have to be rude; gently excuse yourself or say you have a time-sensitive work assignment. 

4. Trust: If someone entrusts something in confidence. Don’t repeat it. Keep it in a mental safe deposit box in your head. It is not an easy task to do but with time; you can master the skill and avoid being part of a Telenovela. 

Good luck!

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Grateful!

As I sit on my back porch doing my work remotely. I look out to gaze at the vast trees in my backyard overlooking the nature reserve as the sun hits the leaves. My mom is sunbathing, she too, gazes at the wonder of nature. We are truly grateful to be part of such wonder. Many of us overlook the small things such as the sun, the air, and the outdoors’. 

It is tranquil, despite the nearby Gateway airport’s noise with helicopters and small airplanes flying overhead—the sounds of lawns being mowed, and every so often cars passing by. I continue to be grateful. You may be asking, what is my point? My response? Please don’t overlook the everyday things; take it all in and smell the flowers, the trees, and the freshly cut lawns. 

Live for today, be grateful and remember tomorrow is not promised. Make your mark or like in the movie Titanic, “make it count!”

Rant Against Hate!

I reflect on what is going on in this world. Have we lost it? It seems that everything I read is about hating over one thing or another. I, for one, rather side on the common good, not hate or evil. 

Whether it is political or a critic of some sort, people can be ruthless, not mindful of fellow humans. How about connecting for the greater good, to help, to assist, or to lend an ear. 

Every time I hear about the violence, protest, and haters commenting, taring someone apart over a topic or opinion breaks my heart. 

I know that this pandemic has not made it easy for many of us and the violence and the presidential election coming up in November. 

I don’t recognize the US. We need a solution. I air on the side of humans, not politics! We can agree to disagree.