The theme of this year’s Earth Day is Plastic versus Planet. The goal is to reduce our dependency on plastic by 60% by year 2040. Its common knowledge that plastic is a danger to both people and animals. So, let’s join the 60X40 clubto help save our planet.
Plastic Pollution – The BPA Issue
The world is running out of ways to handle the rapidly increasing number of single-use plastic products. Plastic waste is rapidly overflowing into our waterways. Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding the potential link between the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA), which is utilized in the production of plastic, and health issues like infertility and neurodevelopment disorders in children.
True friendship can be described as the mutual trust, respect, support, and understanding between people. It means being there for each other in good and bad times, providing true care and affection. Having good friendship also means accepting one another for who they are without judgment. Friendship: How strong.
True friends support, encourage, and improve each other’s lives. True friendships will survive the test of time, through the highs and the lows of life.
March is a month-long celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, which acknowledges and celebrates the accomplishments made by women in the past, present, and future.
The celebratory activities honor the special and remarkable contribution that women have made to society across all spheres of life. By doing this, society is recognizing the commitment, generosity, and the influence of women on family, community and the world. Immediately springing to mind are civil rights activist Rosa Parks, physicist Marie Curie, charity leader Diana Princess of Wales, US First Lady Michele Obama, and humanitarian Mother Theresa.
Make Your Own History
We do not need to wait on others to create our own history or to contribute positively to other people lives and our life. Making your own history involves actively engaging with life, pursuing your passions, setting goals, taking risks, and embracing new experiences. Here are some steps to help you make your own history:
1. Define your goals: Decide what you want out of life in terms of your work, relationships, personal development, and interests.
2. Take action: Once your goals are established, go ahead and take the necessary actions to reach them. This could be looking for possibilities, picking up new skills, or stepping outside of your comfort zone.
3. Embrace failure: Recognize that failure is a necessary component of development. Setbacks shouldn’t deter you; instead, utilize them as teaching moments to advance the path you are on.
4. Be resilient: To overcome any hurdles or problems that may arise, practice resilience. Maintain your focus and adjust as needed.
5. Cultivate relationships: Build meaningful connections with others, whether it’s through friendships, mentorships, or collaborations. Surround yourself with people who support and inspire you.
6. Stay curious: Have an inquisitive and receptive outlook on life. Experiment with other hobbies, viewpoints, and cultures to widen your horizons.
7. Reflect and learn: Regularly reflect on your experiences and learn from them. Celebrate your successes, acknowledge your growth, and identify areas for improvement.
8. Stay true to yourself: In the end, making your own history ultimately comes down to remaining loyal to your principles, interests, and true self. Pay attention to your gut and choose routes that are consistent with who you are. Be authentic.
You may actively shape your own history and design a purposeful and happy life with these steps.
To celebrate black history is celebrating the resilience, rich culture, and achievements of the people of African descent. It is customary to recognize the sacrifices, contributions and the broad history of black people in the month of February.
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, a time when people worldwide will show their affection and love for those with whom they share close relationships and strong connections. Love is respectful and caressed by kindness.
Bringing love into your life can feel like a warm and comforting embrace, fostering a sense of connection, joy, and understanding. It often involves both giving and receiving affection, creating a fulfilling and enriching experience. In a healthy relationship, love and respect walk hand in hand.
To truly love someone requires a commitment that demands accountability on both sides. It is neither lopsided nor devoid of passion. It requires a great deal of responsibility and maturity for everyone involved.
The Romance – Love Is
Romantic love is the intense attraction that you feel for another person. This is the heart fluttering love, the type that brings individuals together for conscious coupling. It is an exhilarating feeling of sharing things that you have in common or the dreams you have for the future. This type of relationship typically elicits a sense of togetherness and euphoria.
Being in love goes beyond mere attraction and include feelings of care, understanding, respect and support for the other person.
The Workplace Love
Even while it does occur, it’s one of those delicate subjects that some people find difficult to talk about. But here is news for you… It is possible to fall in love with a co-worker.
When coworkers fall in love, it’s important for them to navigate the situation with professionalism. The parties involved must maintain clear boundaries at the workplace, avoiding public displays of affection, and ensuring that their relationship doesn’t interfere with work dynamics. Establishing a good balance between their personal and professional relationships can be facilitated by open communication and discretion.
I have witnessed firsthand how co-worker relationships can result in beautiful marriages and children. However, it is very important that businesses have policies and guidelines on maintaining healthy relationships while at work in order to prevent litigation and an unfavorable work environment.
The Love Test – Love Is..
A loving relationship expresses appreciation
A loving relationship offers support during challenges
A loving relationship requires active listening
A loving relationship engages in thoughtful gestures
A loving relationship is a kind relationship
A loving relationship finds ways of showing love
A loving relationship is mutually respectful
T’s Tip: Relationships that often involves manipulative behavior, emotional abuse, control issues, and a lack of mutual respect is a toxic love dynamic and should be avoided.
Enlarge your child’s world and imagination! Check out my children’s book Ducks in the Lake in the lulu.com, and https://amzn.to/47c8sld bookstores.
New Book Coming!!
Sweet Lena… the story of a vivacious brown skinned girl.
You may have heard the phrase “paying it forward” or acted on it yourself, but it is truly amazing to engage in an activity that is connected to the phrase. Without realizing it, you may have unknowingly paid it forward in ways such as, volunteering and contributing to philanthropic causes. My recent experience with this act of kindness touched me so deeply that it left me speechless and I usually don’t have trouble finding words!
Suggestions for introducing the act of kindness to children:
“Think globally, Act locally” is a phrase I would often use in my past job to close my Information Security / training sessions. It served as a reminder that whatever we did locally had global implications and emphasized how important the team’s work was to the community.
The mindset promotes a sense of responsibility for both local and global well-being, recognizing that small actions contribute to larger outcomes. What we do in our small space – office or country – can have a profound effect on the lives of people in other parts of the world.
In a general sense, a vision is our ability to see or perceive things; how we see ourselves in the future or how we would like things to be in the future. Some may also say that it is a precognition of something completely new and different happening. Your vision!
What does wisdom really mean? The Oxford Dictionary defines wisdom as “The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise.” Gaining Wisdom!
Holiday’s are frequently used to celebrate cultural or religious traditions, spend time with loved ones, and reflect on common values and important events.
The change in seasons from summer to autumn marks the beginning of the holiday season for many people. Leaves falling from trees, shorter days, and colder weather are all part of this transition. For me, the best part about the changing of the seasons is the brilliant warm colors of red, brown, and yellow of the leaves on the trees. Yes, the party has begun; the trees appear to be preparing for Thanksgiving in their finest attire!
I believe we all want to be happy – it is an innate desire that most people pursue daily and may require making choices that support the desire. How we respond to life’s challenges and changes also has an impact on our level of happiness.
Happiness is subjective and an individual experience and what makes one person happy may not make another happy. For example, one individual may derive pleasure from something as simple as listening to their favorite song, while another may find greater fulfillment from something more involved such as, going on vacation.
Trending Jobs. According to research, computer-related job opportunities will continue to be in high demand for the future. Because, as we move forward into a more connected digital environment, how businesses supply services, how we maintain our homes, and how we work will place greater emphasis on digital technology. This suggests that as worldwide technology demand grows, so will the demand for jobs in software engineering, systems engineering, and computer systems administration.
No, I’m not thinking about imprisonment; instead, I’m thinking about challenging circumstances or ongoing difficulties. Depending on one’s emotional wellness and ability to resolve difficult situations or challenges, a difficult time for one person may not be the same for another. Maintain Motivation.
I came across a poem by Portia Nelson in my reading and it forced me to pause and reflect for a moment—okay, maybe a few moments. Make the best decision!
She gives us a peek into her life in these five short chapters of her biography:
I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost… I am helpless. It isn’t my fault. It takes forever to find a way out.
I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend l don’t see it. I fall in again. I can’t believe I am in the same place. It isn’t my fault. It still takes a long time to get out.
I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it is there, I still fall in… It’s habit. My eyes are open, I know where I am. It’s my fault. I get out immediately.
I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it.
I walk down another street.
For some people the deep hole may represent a bad relationship, toxic workplace, financial or other setback.
Life is Work…Work is Life and occasionally, the personal and professional spheres may overlap. So, lets see how to deal with negative emotions at work.
The expression “paying attention to detail” is one you may hear quite frequently in the work-place. It means making sure that your work assignments are finished accurately, according to the company standards and guidelines, and within the established deadline. Most people normally go to considerable lengths to finish the work that is assigned to them, allowing the company to meet its business targets and uphold its compliance standards.
Things you may find useful during your focus moment:
Dereliction is an opportunity- it’s not the end, it’s the beginning. -Alison Gordon (cultural organizer, Bangor Ireland). New Life!
There is truth in her words…Old does not equate to being useless, that it is the end, finished or that it is over. So, instead of throwing out something that is old, use it as the framework for a new form or process. View it as an opportunity to enhance and restore life where decay may have taken root or set in.
The same is true for people; as the biological years become numbers that are no longer visible on a calendar, we should garner the experience and wisdom of those who have seen and done it before so it can help those who follow to make advancement in their life and work.
Mine is, life matters …people matter! Living Life!
The Why
You may have noticed that I write about a variety of life-related topics, including those that are important to many people: relationships, employment, wellness, and the environment. You may be wondering why I do this, right?
Even though I’m not particularly creative, I use what little I do have to give you information, stories and life experiences that might encourage positive reactions in your life. I share my lessons learnt because I believe it’s only right that I share knowledge and concepts with you if they have helped me in my life.
My Inspiration – Living Life
My inspiration comes from many things: people, nature, animals and from inanimate objects such as a wearable app or a train – things that help to make our lives healthier and our commute easier.
I take pleasure in the amazing artistic expressions of poetry and music, and the artistry of minds such as Maya Angelou, that bring our dreams and imagination to life. Whatever motivates me to share my viewpoint and ideas with you is my inspiration!
My recent inspiration: My children’s book Ducks In the Lake
Soon a new school year will start and many young adults will leave home for college. Some for the first time, while others are returning to campus life to complete their degree program. With this in mind I have offered some advice that you might find helpful to successfully navigate your academic journey. College Life!
Have you ever discovered a lesson about life in a commonplace action or object? Many people perform commonplace activities and utilize things repeatedly without giving it much thought. Just look around and you can find lessons in just about anything. Life Lesson.
This daily activity struck me as having valuable lessons in tenacity, perseverance, resilience and achieving success.
Commuting is a necessary work effort many people must undertake daily, whether you drive yourself or you use public transportation. The Commute.
The daily commute for work can be exhausting and one can easily develop commuter stress. The excessive time spent sitting in an enclosed small space with strangers for long periods may create psychological stresses such as anxiety, fear, and anger. Additionally, long periods of inactivity can lead to physical stress, such as back pain. To tolerate the activity one must have excellent mental and physical coping skills.
In this post I will share with you my effort on this work-life need, some of which you may find quite familiar.
Father’s Day is not as widely celebrated as Mothers Day but it is an important day that deserves to be acknowledged. I have never had the opportunity to celebrate the day with my father, but I do know some fantastic men and fathers that deserve to be recognized. Father’s Day- Your Day Is Special Too!
Let us celebrate the fathers who have guaranteed that the family’s nucleus remains intact. Men who have given their biological children and others the very best care, allowing them to grow and develop the skills required for their success.
I observe with some amusement that many of the everyday commuters are wearing a bag or other small device for storage on their backs. It’s interesting how what was once considered a kid’s bag – the backpack – has evolved into a commuting must have for many adults. The Popular Backpack!
Many people work in jobs that require them to speak to an audience of their peers, team members or strangers. It could be at an office meeting, training session, or a public venue. How many people genuinely enjoy public speaking? Trust me… few people do! If not managed well, it can have a negative impact on ones self-esteem and create anxiety. Alternately, it is a great confidence booster.
Words of adoration and love emanate from the lips of children about their mother. It doesn’t make a difference who you are or what position you hold; whether you are a president, journalist or a writer, mothers have a tremendous impact on many people’s lives, as evidenced by these expressions of love. You are Mother.
The dictionary defines mother in various ways, including “one who gives birth to,” and “to care for or protect like a mother.” The key words are care and protect, which in my opinion, defines what it means to be a mother. Mother is a special title.
Mothers are not just those who have given birth to a child, but also the females – caregivers – who have supported and encouraged us in realizing our full potential. The women who made certain that our needs were satisfied during childhood.
Mother’s Day gifts I appreciate and your mother may as well.
As Earth Week comes to a close I reflect on the recent weather activity in my neck of the woods. The extreme flooding brought on by the weather phenomena that prevented me from leaving my home for a few days. I was indeed humbled by the power of the water. The roads became impassable; there was more water than residents could handle. The precious resource on which we all rely for life giving necessities eventually became a destructor of life and property. Earth Day- The Water Challenge !
I recently came across an article on “quiet quitting” that really got me thinking, so I thought I would share my perspective with you.
In my opinion it should be called “employee mediocrity.” Meaning, an individual who is excellent at their profession may decide to only complete the minimum requirements of a task if they think the employer does not value their input. An employee who choose to ignore their work problems because they believe nothing will make the situation or their work environment better may experience “quiet suffering.”
Quiet quitting involves performing the absolute bare minimum of a task; not doing more or less, just what is necessary to meet the job requirement. Quiet quitters merely maintain their position; they don’t quit or look for work elsewhere. Some employee’s are even able to maintain this practice for an extended length of time —years.
An awakening can be defined as the realization that something has changed or there is an unexpected occurrence. The dictionary describes it as “sudden consciousness “ or the “act of starting to understand something.” The Awakening!
This post is dedicated to a pioneering Jamaican woman, Sarah Newland – Martin, who I profiled in my previous post https://t-worktalk.com/womens-history-is-valuable-history/ on the importance of women’s history. Despite having a disability, Sarah showed amazing courage, strength and leadership. She was overcome with emotion as she thanked me for remembering her after she read the post. I expressed to her that it was impossible not to think of her because of her accomplishments, grace, and support. Women Rising!
Sarah Newland- Martin. Image -Jamaica Gleaner
Sadly, on 06/07/22 Sarah passed away. She led the YMCA in Kingston Jamaica from 1988 until the time of her passing. I am grateful to have known the trailblazer, the caregiver, the leader, the counselor – Sarah a woman of substance.
Women are natural nurturers – human connectors – and with this innate ability there is the inclination to build and maintain secure havens for others. Women have become known for their trust and dependability in both the workplace and home. The sisterhood, building powerful relationships.
Studies have shown that women dominate the education and health services industry- two significant sectors in a thriving economy – a clear indication that women are the primary drivers of growth and wellness.
Women are strongest when they are connected to their families, to their children, to other women. The connections – relationships – are safe when it is understood that the love and care she extends is pure and trustworthy.
Black poetry is a reaction to both historical and contemporary black experiences. The poetry provides us with a perspective into the fight for justice and equality. The writings speak of our heroes, civil rights and the beauty of the black people. Black History!
The poems reveal the essence of our spirit, shows our resilience, and our capacity to succeed in the face of hardship. They speak of our values, our humanity and remind us that out of many we are one – one people, one voice.
Here are some words of Black Poets I have selected to share with you:
Langston Hughes – Dreams
Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly.
Valentine’s Day is celebrated globally as a “day of love – a romantic day,” and is a time when many people display affection for the people who are important in their lives. Many people will find innovative ways to celebrate the occasion, such as a romantic candlelight dinner and a weekend out of town. Happy Valentine’s day!
However, one of the purest love gifts is that of life. One that I believe is the ultimate of all acts of love and a true labor of love. Of course, the decision to have a child is a life changing decision and should be considered carefully. The love story …
The Oxford dictionary defines movement as “an act of changing physical location or position or of having this changed.” Your ability to achieve your goals depends on your well-being and wellness requires movement. So, to modify how you live and work, apply Sir Isaac Newton’s third law of motion which states – for every action there is a reaction. Life needs motion!
Just Move!
Many people spend most of their workday sitting. Incorporate mini breaks into your workday; 3-5 minutes of stretching, walking the stairs or a quick walk around the block is a great way to refresh your mind and body. Move for you, not for others!
Make time for physical activity, moving every thirty minutes can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, just move! Warm up and cool down to prevent injury.
On MLK Day the celebration honors a man of humble beginnings, a transformational leader, an icon. When you honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., you are honoring civil rights and equality for everyone. You are recognizing the injustices of the past and the necessity for conscious action to remove the injustices in the making. You are honoring his climb to the mountain top – his vision for broadening our moral community so that we can face people of all ethnicities and culture, form stronger and better relationships, and live in a world where expressions of hate and prejudices are replaced by compassion and love. Make the dream a powerful reality!
Creating positive self-talk is easy. If you think you can and tell yourself you can, then you will! Always create your affirmations in the present, “I will or “I am” rather than the “I will be” or ” I can be” as your goal is to start boosting your self-esteem right away rather than later. Affirmation allows you to clarify what is important to you and encourages you to stay committed to your values.
Christmas at my grandparents’ house when I was a child was a wonderful memory. The Special Moments! I recall…
Our Tree
The flurry to decorate the two conifer trees that stood proudly on opposite sides of the gate began early December. My siblings and I enjoyed sorting thru boxes of beautiful decorations to hang on the tree. The not- so- fun chore was untangling strands of lights which were improperly stored the previous year.
All throughout December, Christmas carols were played and could be heard from any room in the house. We would happily sing along to the cheerful tempos of our favorite carols, such as The Little Drummer Boy and Joy to the World as we decorated the trees with other members of the family. We were carefree and undoubtedly happy to be spending the holidays at home and away from boarding school.
We will soon celebrate another wonderful holiday… Christmas! Giving gifts is a big part of holiday celebrations like Christmas. Giving with love and joy!
In an effort to spread the gift of reading, I’d like to share this link with you. Please share as you see fit and thank you for your support: www.eznewswire.com/news/twt-tworktalk
Thanksgiving festivities take place in the Fall season, a time when the weather changes to a cooler period of the year and the landform dresses itself in a wonderful spectrum of colors. This stunning artwork of nature sets the stage for the Thanksgiving celebration. Give thanks for the earth’s great beauty and generosity. Celebrate Good Fortune!
Providing excellent customer service requires more than having team members who can fake smiles or deliver scripted messages. It requires a team that possesses high emotional intelligence (EQ), love providing customer service and who are on board with the mission and goals of your company.
The concept of People Operations (People Ops) was initiated by Google in the early 2000’s to put more emphasis on employee development after they realized there was a high turnover in their workforce. The concept is considered the new human resources (HR) because it focuses on employee empowerment and development such as training, mentoring, the work environment, employee well-being and leadership skills. People Are A Company’s Greatest Asset!
The lone rose indeed… a beautiful bud on my rose plant caught my eyes as I peered out from my safe harbor after a turbulent downpour. Other plants had lost their leaves as they swayed back and forth in the fierce wind and rain but the rose bud stood out in all its effervescent beauty. The massive old trees in the distance looked as if they were dancing as their powerful branches dipped and bowed to the mighty wind. However, neither wind nor rain was able to stop the rose from budding. The beautiful rose!
Self-analysis is helpful in determining your best career fit and life goals. It allows you to increase your personal awareness and understanding of what fits your self-concept; it puts things into perspective.
Various factors, such as the fear of change, self-doubt, a lack of direction and the fear of losing status may cause people to remain in relationships and jobs that are not right for them.
When it comes to making career and life decisions, it’s important to get a clear picture of who you are and what you want at the different stages of your life. Understanding who you are will allow you to own a meaningful existence. Check out the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) and the 16 Personality Factors (16PF)test it is a great tool to help you know you!
Life milestones such as birthdays and anniversaries are wonderful opportunities to plan unique events to celebrate these major moments. Your happiness is solely your responsibility and each time you take a minute to rejoice, you are taking care of yourself and cultivating happiness. Make your moment!
The Netflix documentary “Alone“, is a potently dramatic series that pits man against the environment. Men and women alike experience physical and mental strain as a result of their drive to survive and to win. The mental strain is so tremendous that one by one the participants “tap out” – give up. The Power Of The Mind In Isolation!
The majority of the participants reported feeling lonely and missing their families and friends. The end result of their journeys emphasized that you cannot oppose nature and that in order for the human spirit to flourish and perform at its peak the support of others’ is necessary.
The Calla Lily represents purity, strength and boldness. The thick stem supports a beautiful trumpet bloom that resembles an upturned cup beckoning for you to take a sip of its beauty. A flower that conveys feelings of elegance and purity. Because of this, the Calla Lily is regarded by some as the true lily of the valley. Daily Inspiration – The Lily Of Life.
Plant your bulb, give it time to grow, water your lily with calmness and strength and watch it bloom into the loveliest version of you! Your lilies may not all grow and bloom at the same pace; there are some that may be delayed or late bloomers. However, if you stay the course and stay true to your tasks, your bloom will manifest itself in time.
Let your lily blossoms become the petals of your life on which you will display love and kindness. Do not let the wilting words of your detractors pierce your blossom and destroy your flower. Choose your planting location wisely to avoid the harsh edges of the raised voices and live your best season. Bloom and let wonderful works flow from the core of your trumpet !
The Lily Of Life – Daily Inspiration
Let others benefit from your kindness and be motivated by your moral courage and efficacy. Embrace the complexities and the simplicities of growing your lily and help others to sow their bulb so they too can become the best versions of themselves.
You may have guessed it! The Calla Lily is my favorite flower and was the theme of my nuptials. Give me a bunch and watch me glow!
Disclosure: The views and opinions expressed on this blog are my own. The content may contain affiliate links. Product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party in question. As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases.
You did it! Your effort and dedication got you into your dream college. College preparedness, freshman this is your life!
College is more than just academics; it’s about your life. You are now enrolled in the College of Life! Your actual adventure starts now! While attending college there will be lots of amazing activities to enjoy and, many social interactions and opportunities to develop new friendships. However, your success depends on your maintaining your discipline and remaining focused on your studies. Moderation is the key to succeeding in college; have fun, but don’t lose sight of why you are there in the first place.
Going off to college can be an exciting and emotionally charged period for parents and child alike. However, it may be financially exhaustive for the proud parents. Your child’s transition to college life will be smoother if you are financially prepared and plan ahead. College preparedness is important!
Parents Get Ready To Take On the Challenge
Planning and saving for college takes time therefore, it’s important that you begin the process as early as possible. With the help of your financial planner, start a college prepaid savings plan so that you can pay for certain expenses when the time comes for your child to attend college. Starting early and including your child in the process will help them to learn the value of money and how to save.
Encourage your high school student to enroll in the financial literacy class offered by their school because it will improve how they manage their money while in college. Early involvement in saving and planning will help them later on in life and improve their ability to manage their own family’s finances.
More information that you and your college student may find helpful:
Laughter is a joyful emotional response to activity such as, a fun exchange or humorous writing. The expression of joy alters your mood and protects your heart by stimulating your blood circulation. Additionally, research has shown that you exercise more than 26 facial muscles when you laugh and your brain releases endorphins which help to reduce stress, discomfort and pain. So, the more you laugh the more endorphins are released and the better you will feel. Humor: Important Role In Wellness.
Mindfulness is the regulation of your awareness to bring attention to the present moment.
Make mindfulness a daily practice as it will help you to feel less stressed and increase your happiness level. For example, meditation is a great relaxation technique that allows you to empty your mind, release tension and increase alertness.
Making a mindfulness statement and placing it somewhere conspicuous, will help you to stay on track. Next, develop a program that will help you maintain good mental and physical health. It is okay to occasionally lose your momentum however, it is important to get back to your mindfulness practice as soon as you can so that you can maintain your discipline. With practice and time, mindfulness will become a habit.
It is also equally important to extend your mindfulness beyond yourself so that you can recognize and understand the needs of others and enjoy positive interactions.
Who hasn’t met someone or knows someone who is too self-centered and entitled? Someone who thinks the entire world and everyone owes them everything? I heard your gasp, so I will assume that you have already met Mr. or Ms. Entitled, the acquaintance or relative, who never gives and if allowed, will take everything from you without regard for your feelings or rights. Doing the right thing is your moral responsibility!
Now, how do you respond to selfishness? Do you attempt to be selfish in return? As an example, seeing selfishness firsthand while using public transportation, offers a unique perspective into the world of entitlement and selfishness perpetuated by individuals who ought to know better. Too often, we witness a passenger on a bus or train with a bag or other object on an open seat, refusing to move it to make room for someone else.
Try this, the next time you use public transportation put others before yourself, imagine you are in their position, and treat selfishness with kindness. Remove your bag from the open seat and allow someone else to sit. No one who has paid for a seat should request a seat from another person or be forced to stand up because your bag requires a seat. Yes, you do have a right to a seat but you do not have the right to force others to stand up because you believe you are entitled to more than one seat.
Here are some suggestions that may help make your commute easier:
We communicate with other people because we want to present information, receive information and build social bonds. Our relationships are the key to our existence so when we communicate, both the sender and the receiver should feel satisfied that their needs have been met. In addition, people may engage in lighthearted conversations or social chats with others without intending to have a serious conversation but rather to interact for fun or pleasure. Positive expression is powerful!
Conversation starters and communication tools you may like:
On a daily basis, many people encounter challenges. Regardless of your line of work, challenges of every size will exist. The number of challenges you face may depend on the type of work you do and the position you hold. It’s important to manage challenges wisely since some can open doors to new perspectives and opportunities while others can be incredibly overpowering and cause distress. Your life is your sport, play well!
According to MentalHealth.gov “mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.” Protecting mental health is todays challenge!
Mental health has become a recurring topic in the national media over the past few years and especially recently as the number of mass shooting incidents have increased. There is now heightened concern among many in our community and government. Just in case you missed the previous post on mental and physical wellness you can read it here https://t-worktalk.com/a-successful-job-search-requires-mental-and-physical-wellness
Here are a few take-charge tools and activities you may like:
The first time I heard the phrase “nuclear family” it was from my son when he was very young and I was clueless as to its origin. So, I set out to find out what it meant. A nuclear family is one which has both parents living in the same household. This concept leads me to Fathers Day…a day that some may enjoy and celebrate, but many others may not because they did not grow up in a nuclear family or because their father is not present in their lives. Being A Father Matters.
Here are some Father’s Day gift ideas you may like:
We have witnessed the big shift towards remote work but there are some other important trends that are continuing to evolve. The world we live in is diverse, as are our families and our workplace will be more culturally diverse than ever before. Things that were once considered taboo in the workplace are now becoming more commonplace. So, lets look at a few workplace trends in a changing world!
Color
Traditionally, office attire was considered to be brown, black, grays and other neutral colors. Today, more people are choosing to add bold colors to show their individualism and letting their color and style reflect their personality. You may read my previous post about how color affects our life here https://t-worktalk.com/color-code-your-life-its-your-hue-to-success/.
Businesses may nevertheless find it necessary to establish a dress code or some form of guidance in order to avoid extremes in employee attire. Also, you may find that in places like law offices, more traditional attire may be required but perhaps one day we’ll see judges wearing different colored robes!
Here are a few tried-and-true finds that may complement your dress ensemble:
I penned this post with difficulty because my heart is heavy. It is a heartbreaking time for the parents of Uvalde, as well as for America as we mourn the loss of yet more children due to violence. We weep for the young lives lost due to the psychopathic actions of an evil being. Evil rose and young lives were denied the opportunity to flourish to the fullest. My heart breaks.
America wept once more when evil rose.
My heart aches as I sob quietly for your children, our children, my child and our country. I cry alone and I cry with my friend as we both try to put our overwhelming grief into words. But words are not necessary, because we are mothers, we are parents, we are Americans and we feel the pain of Uvalde’s mothers and fathers. Again we cry.
America wept once more when evil rose.
Reading and activity suggestions to help you get through this difficult time:
Why we wonder, has this darkness again engulfed us and taken our children? There is much that needs to be done but who will do it? The children who survived the Parkland shooting took to the streets and raised their voices, and thousands more around the world joined them but still nothing was done.
We listen to the whispers, the conversations, the inquiries but what do we do… nothing and another day goes by, another year passes. To those who lead, remove the Kitty Genovese syndrome attitude of indifference to our plight and do something!
America wept once more when evil rose.
My faith encourages me to believe that soon something will be done soon, that his will be done but when will it be done? My sadness seeps into my soul but I dry my tears, take up my pen and I remember the children… America wept once more when evil rose.
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Women more than men struggle with their body image. According to the American Association of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) 92 % of the more than 15 million cosmetic surgeries performed in 2020 were performed on women…whoa! You are probably wondering why… body image, the focus on physical appearance.
Women are motivated to choose cosmetic surgery for a variety of reasons, including body restoration after pregnancy, aging – to restore a youthful appearance, and to satisfy cultural projections of the “perfect” woman. Others may require medical treatment to correct birth defects or after trauma such as cancer to help them feel more complete. Regardless of the reason for your aesthetic surgery, male or female, you should never be made to feel unworthy because of how you look.
Perfection expresses itself in many different ways. Start your day with a perfect cup of the Blue Mountain coffee from Jamaica, the birthplace of reggae music. Every sip is perfect! https://amzn.to/3wB0piX
Have you ever heard the phrase “body image” ? Do you know what it means? Simply, it is our mind’s view of our ourselves; how we perceive ourselves, our relationship with our bodies and how we view our physical appearance. Body Positivity: Promoting Self Love!
Loving the perfect and the imperfect you indicate that you have a great relationship with your body. How we view ourselves can affect our relationships and can even determine our level of success in life.
I feel very special on “my day,” Mothers Day. The feeling of gratification and a greater sense of purpose came about some years ago upon the arrival of a very special person in my life, my son. Yes, a priceless gift and one that has filled me with so much joy that today the celebration is more about him! My Mother’s Day Gift – The Life Of My Son!
The dictionary describes a mother as a female who gives birth to a child or a female who rears a child with love and affection. I would go further by adding that a mother is also a female protector and a friend. I’m sure many people will agree that the descriptions are befitting for any female who unconditionally loves and cares for a child. Mothers are dependable and the majority will continue to support their children in some way even when they reach adulthood. Mother’s Day – Thank You For Love!
The global remote work landscape has seen a dramatic change over the past two years. Today, global remote work options are limitless. International remote jobs allow workers the opportunity to live in one country and work in another without having to relocate. Embrace remote work: a new culture of work!
When working remotely and globally, it is important to understand the cultural differences and etiquette as these are critical elements required to conduct international and global business. Many successful ventures are borne out of the appreciation and respect for cultural diversity and norms.
Plastic causes damage to our marine life and landfills. Plastic pollution is real and the world’s ability to deal with the fast-growing volume of disposable plastic products is being overwhelmed. Our waterways are fast becoming dumping grounds for plastic garbage. Additionally, there are fears that the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) used in the manufacture of plastic may be connected to health problems such as infertility and neurodevelopmental problems in children. This is a major source of concern because we all want our children to be healthy and have fully functioning brains. Happy Earth Day: Take Care of What You Love Now!
You can tell that a product contains BPA if it is marked with this symbol
“Landscapes of great wonder and beauty lie under our feet and all around us. They are discovered in tunnels in the ground, the heart of flowers, the hollows of trees, fresh-water ponds, seaweed jungles between tides, and even drops of water. Life in these hidden worlds is more startling in reality than anything we can imagine. How could this earth of ours, which is only a speck in the heavens, have so much variety of life, so many curious and exciting creatures?”- Walt Disney. Yes, the Earth is an amazing planet that gives us so much for which to be grateful! Earth Energy is our Life Energy!
Women inspiring women …Incredible Women! The month-long celebration of Women’s Month is coming to an end and I would like to share some final thoughts that will hopefully provide some encouragement to those among us who may be needing just a little more fuel to get them up and going.
The theme of Women’s History Month is ” Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.” Many people immediately think of their mother when they hear the theme, which is a natural and heartwarming thought because mothers are innately nurturers. However, there are many others who assume similar roles in our lives but are quite often overlooked. The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us that female frontline workers are the glue that holds our communities together.
Women’s History Month is an appropriate time to remember and applaud the women who have contributed to our rich history. We must also recognize the women who have followed in the footsteps of the change-makers; their innovation and contribution to the world is phenomenal!
Biases are basic instincts that everyone has; it is the ability to like one thing more than another. People have biases for many different reasons; bias is inherently rooted in our lives. Gender bias occurs when one gender is given preference for specific roles.
There are activities that highlight gender inequality and woman rights but unfortunately, the bias against women continues globally. International Women’s Day is a celebration to recognize the strength, spirit and leadership of women and girls.
The importance of celebrating black history is to recognize the struggles of the people who got us to where we are now and the celebration continues in recognition of the achievement of black innovation, greatness and excellence. I am black history!
“Only those who dare to fail greatly can achieve greatly.”
Robert Kennedy
The future is unknown but having the right attitude will help you maintain a positive outlook and allow you to face your challenges without fear. So, when life knocks you down, don’t stay down, get up and start again! Get your motor going, continue your journey and make your connection! Maintain a Positive Life!
“We write for the same reason that we walk, talk, climb mountains or swim the oceans – because we can. We have some impulse within us that makes us want to explain ourselves to other human beings. That’s why we paint, that’s why we dare to love someone – because we have the impulse to explain who we are.”
Maya Angelou
Many people consider love a “matter of the heart” but in actuality it is a “matter of the brain.” The brain releases hormones that allow the body to act in a certain way when you meet someone new or someone to whom you are attracted. Yes, the sweaty palms, fluttering of the heart and stammer are directly related to ones brain function. It is believed that the fluttering and racing of the heart are what most people associate with being in love or romantic love.
We celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Day (MLK)! It has been many years since the death of Dr. Martin Luther King (Jr.) but his message of freedom and change still resonates with many around the world today.
“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way”
It’s a new year, new day and you are moving to a new residence. In a lifetime many people will change residences at least once. People will move locales to start new jobs or to be near family.
This is a paid post sponsored by Infinite Moving Company.
Moving can be stressful if the move is not planned and executed well. To minimize your stress maintain a positive mindset, keep in mind the reason why you are moving and, the new experiences and adventures you will enjoy in the new area. https://infinitemoving.com/ Focus on your new beginning!
Emotional intelligence or emotional awareness requires the following 5 key elements:
Self-awareness
Self- regulation
Motivation
Empathy
Good values
Effective interpersonal communication requires a high level of emotional intelligence to successfully manage your work and personal relationships. Therefore, it is important to know your emotions to build good relations!
Your life’s successes lies in your personal power, so use your power wisely. While packing away some used clothing I came across one of my sons old t-shirt with the words “I have the Power. Power what’s next?” and it brought back memories of my son wearing the t-shirt while working tirelessly on the multi-tiered contest challenge Master the Mainframe. The contest was his way of gaining experience and promoting his ability to hiring professionals. Watching my son quietly work thru the challenges of the contest was a great lesson in patience and perseverance. He used his limited power to begin the challenge, harnessed more power after successfully completing each step of the challenge and acquired full power at the end of the contest. As a result, he could soundly state “Power What’s Next?” The lessons we learn from our children!
My bus ride to work takes me on a highway interchange with an extremely high over-pass. Looking down from the over-pass, there is the feeling of fear coupled with an appreciation for the scene below. It’s a maze of colorful vehicles of different shapes and sizes. I am awed by the inter-looping that allows motorists to travel to their different destinations. Yes, from high above it looks chaotic but it is controlled chaos. The roads intricate design allows drivers to navigate the roadway safely; enter and exit without harm. Our hope for safely navigating these highways lies in the genius of mankind; the hope that supports our desire to get from point A to point B safe and sound.
Some years ago, my job location changed and I was advised that when entering or leaving the area I needed to adopt a warrior pose. Yes, I needed to don a fight stance as this would help to deter attackers. I soon came to realize that a warrior pose is much more than physical security; it’s a way of life! Your warrior pose is important in many aspects of your life, so it’s essential that you adopt the right stance inorder to tackle your work-life challenges.
The academic research of Sutton and Altarriba on Color associations to emotion and emotion-laden words… , state that “individuals often associate colors with various emotional terms. For example, when participants are asked to associate an emotional response with a color, they often associate bright colors (e.g., white, pink) with positive emotions (e.g., happy, relaxed) and dark-colors (e.g., black, brown) with negative emotions (anxious, sad) (Hemphill, 1996). Meier, Robinson, and Clore (2004) found that we tend to infer the valence of a stimulus (good or bad) on the basis of brightness.” Positive emotions are the key to success so color-code your life with bright colors!
Do you recognize me? I certainly don’t recognize many of the people with whom I work! I can’t tell who they are by only seeing their eyes or the tops of their heads! Do you know I am smiling? My mask hides my smile but I hope it’s reflected in my eyes! We are strangers behind masks!
We are healing; we are on the road to recovery! Many months ago the road to recovery may have appeared long and dark, but in every gloomy place the sun does shine! Going back to work in an office, away from the confines of your home environment, will require a high level of emotional correctness. You should project kindness and empathy towards others. There is success in kindness!
In April the world celebrated Earth Day, how did you celebrate the Day? Maybe you planted some flowers, a tree or tended to the environment in some other meaningful way. The actions of many are encouraging however; we can do so much more to protect our planet. Our mental and physical wellbeing is increased when we have a healthy environment. Protect our other mother…Earth!
Many of us from time to time need help with our happiness levels. To elevate your happiness it’s important that you focus on the good events and happy moments in your life. Take some time to notate your achievements and then take a look around at the people who have less than you do…Be grateful! Start a gratitude journal!
Admittingly, it is a difficult time and it may seem that all odds are against you and there is no good in the world. There is…you just have to look deep within!
“If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.”
Mahatma GHANDI
Many of us may be feeling imprisoned by the pandemic and are experiencing some level of anxiety due to job losses and the recent storming of the capitol. Therefore, now more than ever, we need to maintain our wellness activities! So, I thought I would share a bit more on maintaining Mental and Physical Wellness. Your Mentaland PhysicalWellness are the keys to your success! Lets practice together!
“Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances.”
Maya ANGELOU
Let this year be your dance…Lets WORKTALK!
Job searches are dependent on visibility! The more visible you are, the higher your chances are of having your profile viewed by recruiters and employers. Therefore, maintain the connection to your job search by remaining visible! How does one remain visible you might ask?
Change occurs in the work environment and in our personal lives. It may be good or bad depending on how it’s viewed. With attitude adjustment change is manageable… embrace it!
Job changes are at times unexpected… some people may experience vertigo or feel that they have lost control. Expected job changes are decisive and deliberate changes! With the latter, you are in control and there is predictable success!
This article was contributed by a recent graduate. It details his perspective on the early resume building I mentioned in my first blog and his actual job search.
“Motivation
In the first blog, my mom’s advice to parents was to start preparing their children’s resume as early as possible. Let’s dive in a little deeper on that topic! Yes… “T” is my mom!
The initial concept was driven by my mom, who not only built my resume initially, but also encouraged me to continue to add my achievements as they happened. What was the result of this deliberate early action? I learned what a good resume should include and how to build on it; and I was able to see progress as I got older which served as great motivation to be a better student and public servant.
The oxford dictionary defines apt as; having a tendency to do something. Strengthen your job search and achieve excellent success by committing to these positive actions.
How many times have you heard the phrase “Looking for a job is a job itself?” Well I can attest to that! It’s a full time effort to job hunt, its time consuming and it’s hard! No one will tell you how hard it is; they will give you a list of websites and tell you to let them know how you fare out. Yes, that’s right you are now on your own!
This is a personal blog and the details on my website are only for informational and /or entertainment purposes. The details should not be regarded as professional advice; they are my interpretation of a specific concept or situation. The opinions expressed in my posts are my own. I am the writer and editor and my posts are published in good faith.
