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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Political Salsa

“Elections belong to the people.”

~Abraham Lincoln

Let the games begin, and it is about to become a political salsa! Vice President Joe Biden finally made his decision to choose Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate for Vice President. As a voter, it is the first time in a long time I felt hope for our future.

I’m not too fond of the negative ads running since the announcement. It is such a turnoff to me when there is so much mudslinging instead of sticking to a platform.

What happened to ” do your research!”

And when the mudslingers throw their dirt, we as voters should do our due diligence in doing our part to make sure the right candidate is deserving of casting our vote.

Some companies and lobbyists will pour into the winning candidate. I would research that as well. I know it sounds like a lot of work, but to me, it so worth the time.

And for those that are not registered, perhaps, they lost their way. I am here to say, don’t dismay.

It is our right to vote! It is our reserved seat at the table, unite, and together we have the power for change. Don’t give up!

The Primaries are Coming!

“Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.”

― Abraham Lincoln

The primaries are coming, and voters are tense in anticipation of the outcome on August 18, 2020. Many are cheering on their favorite candidates and not caring about how they come across to fellow voters. Realistically, many don’t care!

Dirty politics should not have a place when it comes to deciding on who to vote for, pure and simple, but is it elementary? There should only be continuous research on the voter’s part.

Stop listening to empty rhetoric from candidates and the voters.

Furthermore, let us not forget those groups that put out negative messaging!

In my county, the elections are hot, and people argue ongoing, nonstop to no end. It has become overwhelming!

I, for one, have begun to distance myself from the media, and social media I don’t comment. It does not matter whether it is at the presidential level or the local races; it is all the same all around.

Consider this my rant for the day, and politics can get to you if you allow it.

Lost Soul

She looked into her mirror and realized she had lost her way, a lost soul. She is, she has stopped believing in her self and second-guessing her abilities. At her current age, she should be more confident and more self-aware. What has changed?

Every day has become hum, drum, pretty ritualistic with no spontaneity. Work is work, and she continues to work it to no end.

For the average person looking in, they see success and happiness: a good job and a good marriage, a loving family.

The reality the picture is dark with constant arguments, not being listened to but claiming she does not pay attention. She is distracted, longing for a different life. No one knows her true feelings, she plays the I am alright game, but she is crumbling slowly.

This week she has decided to venture forth seeking new opportunities to fill her soul, to find happiness in what she creates and what she does. She is striving to get rid of the emptiness she feels inside and has felt for a bit. It is sad!

Alas, she will find her soul to be whole. It will take hard work and perseverance, but in the end, accomplished!

Are you taken seriously?

Are you are taken seriously? I have and my epiphany is that I am not looked upon as the go-to of knowledge. It is not for lack of intelligence, it is due to the way I am. I come across as the kidding around, jokey type. I am pretty easy going I am good-humored. As a person with ADHD, I guess I use humor as a defense mechanism and as a way of looking beyond a disability.

As a kid, and as an adult I was viewed the same way, although I was not diagnosed with ADHD until much later, but lately, I been self-reflecting. At work, I take responsibility for my actions. I have made a great stride to improve, but when it comes to serious work issues I am not the one that appears on the radar.

Just the other day I was onsite at work and we were all called upon to make a goodbye retirement video from all the employees to one of our employees. My coworkers viewed my video submission and began to make critiques and chuckle. In my defense, I outright told them, “at least I submitted a video, did any of you?” They responded, “no, and we don’t do videos.” I indirectly let them know, “you have no right to critique if you did not participate.” They left me alone after that and proceeded as though nothing occurred. Inside within myself, I was not happy and was disappointed at their reaction.

I have worked to self improve the way I am perceived by others through my blogging, doing leadership presentations, new hire orientations, and employee of the month presentations in my professional life.

I am not there yet and I feel there is so much left for me to accomplish. Stay tuned!