Friday, December 9, 2022
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow
(Packing up my office- Last day is June 3)
‘Sweet, so would I
Yet I should kill thee with much
cherishing.
Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow.’
(Act 2, Scene 2) Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
The above scene, from William Shakespeare’s
Romeo and Juliet, is arguably one of
the most famous in American literature.
Juliet uttered the most recognized line, ‘Parting is such sweet sorrow’ to
her star-crossed lover, Romeo as they said good night.
What makes that specific line so fascinating
is that ‘sweet sorrow’ is an oxymoron. How
can something be both sweet and sorrowful?
In the context of this scene, Juliet is expressing the feeling of sorrow
at their parting, but the anticipation of reuniting the next day is so joyful, it
is worth the pain of separation.
I think this feeling of ‘sweet
sorrow’ translates beautifully in many experiences we have throughout our personal
and professional lives. In our personal
lives it could be a time when you had to say goodbye to something or someone
important to you. Perhaps it was a loved
one who passed away or a child who left for college. The sorrow might be that a period of time (childhood)
or a relationship has ended (death), but the sweetness is the memories that
will forever be cherished and revisited.
Professionally, ‘sweet sorrow’
could represent moving to a new position within an organization—or even to a
new organization entirely. The sorrow is maybe leaving co-workers, a boss—and even the job itself. The sweetness could be the anticipation of
learning new skills, meeting new people and being exposed to new challenges and
experiences.
Change is movement. Change is evolution. Change is growth. Without change—and perhaps sorrow to some
degree—would the pleasure be as sweet?
‘Sweet sorrow,’ is the perfect term
to define how I am feeling after accepting an exciting opportunity at a new
employer and resigning from my position as Human Resources & Communications
Director for Proteus, Inc. after 26 years of service. There is sorrow in leaving my team, coworkers,
supervisor and the organization as a whole.
On the flip side, I am filled with excitement, curiosity, and
anticipation of learning new skills, sharing my knowledge and challenging my
inner voice that has previously held me back from trying new things.
I’m venturing into unknown
territory and with that comes fear and uncertainty. There is no guarantee that the reward will
be sweet, but without tying, how would one know? Change is scary. I’m the first to admit it. But if you are not growing, it’s time for a
change.
If you are experiencing either of
the two following career killers, it might be time for a change:
1. Exhibiting Complacency- If
you have become unmotivated or dread coming to work, it might be time for a
change. Change doesn’t mean leaving the
organization or job you love. It may
mean applying for a different position within the organization or asking your
supervisor for additional duties. Nothing
impresses a supervisor more than initiative!
It may mean volunteering on a committee or asking to support your team on a special project. If you are
complacent, not only are you failing yourself, you are failing the
organization. (Thee needeth to moveth)
2. Lacking Growth- It might
be time for a change if you are not growing professionally. That could mean that you have reached the
height of your opportunities within an organization. It may mean that you are not learning new
skills or being challenged based on your knowledge and expertise.
If you feel that you are not
growing, ask for additional training, research certifications or enhance your
knowledge through educational opportunities offered through your organization
or on your own. You may also join a professional
group or volunteer on a local board where you can make contacts and access resources
to better your career. Last, read, read, read! If you are not taking advantage of
the thousands of personal and professional books available, you are missing out
on broadening your imagination, improving your verbal and written communication,
and developing your emotional intelligence and ability to self-reflect. (Thee
needeth to groweth)
The great thing about both of
these career killers is that YOU have control over the outcome. YOU
write the story of your personal and professional journey. And YOU decide if it will read like a Shakespearian
tragedy.
‘Good night, good night! Parting
is such sweet sorrow.’ To my Proteus family, this is not good night
or good bye, but a joyful farewell.
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Happy Mother's Day- Good Moms Let You Lick the Beaters
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“Ma… Mommy… Mum… Mother… Madre…,” my son rattles off—just in
case I forgot my lot in life.
“Yes, Master Mason, what can I have the pleasure of doing
for you today?” I momcastically respond.
“Do you know where my keys are?” he asks.
I state the obvious, “Did you look?”
“Ya, but you can find anything,” he states. “Can you just help me?”
After asking him where he last saw them and backtracking his
steps, his keys were found within minutes in his discarded jeans from the night
before.
“See mom, you can find anything!” he smiles as he grabs his
keys and saunters away.
I stand there for a moment with hands on my hips—like us
moms like to do—in silent recognition that I was duped again by the child I chose
to give life to.
In celebration of Mother’s Day, I’d like to dedicate this
article to all the moms out there “who can find anything!”
When we think of moms, we think of nurturer, supporter,
caretaker, housecleaner, cook, nurse, and referee—among many other job titles. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
(2021), in addition to at-home roles, approximately 75.5% of mothers with
children older than six are employed in the workforce.
“I’m off to my other job,” is a regular salutation I give as
I leave the office to describe my role as mother and wife. Rarely is my lunch hour spent leisurely
enjoying a sandwich at Papa Johns. Instead,
the time is spent running errands, picking up groceries and sometimes even
rushing home to do laundry to ease up my nightly chores. And I don’t even have young ones anymore! I shudder to think how I managed doctor’s
appointments, teacher’s conferences, sick days and all the other
responsibilities that came with having younger children. But I did it, and I see my amazing coworkers
doing it as well.
Although the traditional roles of ma and pa are changing,
there is still a large enough gap that I sometimes fantasize about giving a
slight push kick to pa’s backside to even things out. Unfortunately, it is still mostly (not all)
women who are having to choose between career and family. You can certainly have both, but there will
be sacrifices. The goal is to even
things out and give yourself a break when things aren’t “perfect.”
It’s kind of like when you had your first child. You might have ironed all of his/her baby clothes,
perhaps you made his/her own organic baby food, or sprayed down all of his/her
toys—and please don’t even mention allowing food that fell on the ground from
entering your child’s mouth!
Then you have your second child. You are lucky to get yourself dressed let
alone them, bath time consists of stripping them down and handing them to dad
while he showers—and fallen food? It’s
better than no food! Same goes for working
moms. One can be perfect—mom or
career. But both—we just do the very
best we can do.
I won’t dare give you mom tips or tips on how to juggle
career and family. There is no one fits
all. I’ve learned that no matter what
you do as a mom, it won’t be given the acknowledgement and recognition it
deserves. It truly is a thankless job at
times. But the moment you see your
children, who you thought were not listening to your lectures on manners,
morals, forgiveness, kindness, etc. demonstrate what you taught them—you will know
you’ve done your job.
And you know what part is worth waiting for? Payback.
The following are some of the things my mom said to me that has now
happened to me:
1) Just wait until
you have children!
2) I can’t wait until
you have children!
4) You think I’m a
mean mom? Wait until you have children!
5) I worry too
much? Wait until you have children!
And my favorite, “I told you so!” Yes you did mom!
Happy Mother’s Day to all you momma bears out there who
protect and love their cubs every day! A
special shout out to my mom and best friend.
Thank you for always being there for me in my darkest days and in my brightest.
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
About Face: What Your Expressions May or May Not Be Saying About You
(Left: RBF, Right, Neutral)
“Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.”- Janet Lane
If you have ever seen Kristen Stewart from the Twilight
franchise on the red carpet or in an interview, she has an expression on her
face that lacks much movement or change. If her
expression could speak it would say, “I’d rather be anywhere in the world
than right here with you!” It ranges from a look of unnerving disinterest to a
look of utter annoyance.
In 2013, a meme took over the Internet giving the expression, or lack thereof, a name—Resting
*itch Face (RBF). An unflattering description that is usually (unfairly)
assigned to women, RBF can be off-putting particularly when it comes to first
impressions.
Many inflicted with RBF complain that they are being wrongly
judged and in most cases that is in fact true.
But regardless of intent, RBF makes others feel as if they
are the ones being judged. RBF is
different from a purposeful frown, scowl, or eye roll because it has no
purpose, it’s at rest. If RBF was to
have a twin, it would be the monotone voice due to its lack of variation and
presentation void of emotion. So how do
you know if you are inflicted with RBF?
In my very best Jeff Foxworthy, the following is a list of RBF
signs you need to be aware of:
1. If you are
constantly being asked if you are okay or if you are mad about something, you
may have RBF.
2. If people seem
uncomfortable about approaching you, you may have RBF.
3. If when you try to
be funny and it’s received with a “Are you being serious?” you may have RBF.
4. If you are
constantly told, “You should smile,” you may have RBF.
5. If you are told, “I
thought you hated me when we first met,” you may have RBF.
6. If you constantly win playing cards due to your “poker face,” you may have RBF.
Individuals with RBF are often frowned upon by management (get it, frowned upon?) and iced out
(ya, I can’t help myself, it’s a gift) by coworkers. They can be deemed unfriendly, aloof and even
cold—which is usually far from the truth.
But as we all know, perception is a powerful thing. In fact, we make judgements about people
based on many outward factors. Once an
opinion is formed, it is difficult to change.
Sadly, RBF can over shadow an otherwise efficient and competent
employee.
Interestingly, many people with RBF either don’t or won’t recognize
it, excuse it as being a part of their
personality, or know it, but don’t understand the importance of its consequences.
Anyone own a teen? If there was a posterchild for RBF, it would be found on a teenager. My daughter was inflicted with RBF from the age of 12 to around 18. She would come home and complain that she didn’t understand why girls didn’t like her. Careful not to ignite a firestorm of “you just DON”T get it mom!” followed by the spin, march and slam of the bedroom door, I suggested perhaps she was coming off as unfriendly and she should smile more. Guess what happened? Yep. “Mom, you DON’T understand!” Spin… March… Slam… Thankfully after years in customer service, she learned the importance of what her face may be putting out there in the world.
Now that you know what RBF is and you think you may have it,
what is the cure? The following are a
few tips:
1. The first step is
acknowledging that you have a problem.
If you answered “yes” to one or more of the RBF signs, you may have RBF.
2. Ask someone. I know this may be difficult, but ask someone
you believe will be completely honest with you.
If you really want to change, you need to know the truth.
3. Record yourself
during a zoom call or meeting and watch it back. If you were an outsider, how would you view
you?
4. Be aware. Are you actively listening? Are you engaged? Are you paying attention? What is your face saying?
5. Put effort into
your expressions. Even at rest, be
mindful of your eyes and mouth. Smile with
your eyes and keep a slight smile on your face?
Lean forward when someone is talking and nod your head at times to show
you are listening. Practice in the
mirror if you have to.
Teamwork, communication and customer service all require the
ability to be engaged, interested, excited and even joyful at times—even when
you may not be. Putting a concerted effort in your expressions
(even while at rest) when meeting people or while attending meetings,
conferences or just communicating in general, can improve your interpersonal
relationships.
It’s time to drop the RBF and allow people to see the real
you.
Thursday, April 21, 2022
Laughter IS the Best Medicine and I Can Prove It
"There is little success where there is little laughter."- Andrew Carnegie
How many times have you heard the saying, “laughter is the
best medicine?” This is a metaphor used
over and over again when describing the benefits of laughter. But guess what? It’s true—and science backs it up. In fact, research shows that laughter releases
the brain chemical serotonin (a mood stabilizer often lacking in those of us who suffer from anxiety and depression) and endorphins (the feel-chemical in
our brain that responds to pain and stress.)
Laughter increases our heart rate, burns calories, improves our focus
and reduces the negative effects that stress has on our body and mind.
I don’t remember when “joking around” became the norm for
me. Believe it or not, I was an incredibly
shy young girl. Raised with all
brothers, I did have to develop different types of defense mechanisms and
teasing and joking became one of them.
There was something powerful about laughing my way out of situations
that made me uncomfortable.
Laughing relieved my anxiety and stress and would put a
protective barrier around my otherwise tender heart. Teased mercilessly by my older brother, I
either needed to fight back with an arsenal of zingers or run to my room
crying. I choose to fight. I
could rouse my brother with the simplest form of
reverse psychology. He would call me
names and make fun of prepubescent boy like figure and I would simply
agree. “You are absolutely right, my
chest is as flat as an iron board.” His
inability to make me cry would throw him into a fit of blind rage. Me? I
would laugh uncontrollably until I got in trouble for “teasing” my four-year
older brother!
There is just something bonding about laughing with others
over a good joke, a funny movie or a corny pun.
In fact nothing gets me giggling like a bad pun. You are either pun-loving or not, there is just no in between. It usually starts off innocently enough. For example, my daughter texted me the other
day, “Mom, the cat peed in my room again!”
I responded, “Well, you better clean it up before I get home or urine trouble!” I receive a text back, “You are lame, mom.” I respond, “Far pee it from me to disagree.”
Now if that didn’t make you laugh, then you are missing a punny bone.
Laughter promotes togetherness and builds
relationships. Laughter breaks down
barriers, and like a smile, is universally understood across different cultures. Laughter can uplift an otherwise disengaged
and unmotivated workforce. Laughter can
reduce conflict, hostility and resentment among coworkers. Best of all?
It’s positively contagious!
There is a stereotype about what a professional resembles.
Rarely does funny, witty, silly or self-defecating make the list of
admirable characteristics. Often time, when we think of “being
professional,” we think of formal, proper and composed. In reality, a professional is competent,
ethical, a great communicator, reliable, and—presents themselves in a tidy and
well-groomed manner. Now where does it
say you can’t be all of those things + funny?
Speaking of which.
One time, my supervisor asked me to start my training presentation with
a joke. So, I attached my paycheck to
the first slide! No? Okay, how about this one. A ham sandwich walks into a bar and orders a
beer. The bartender says, “Sorry, we don’t
serve food here.” Still no?
I guess I’m going to have to pull out the oldie but goodie, a knock
knock joke! Knock Knock. Who’s there?
A little old lady. A little old
lady who? I had no idea you could
yodel!
Regardless of your humor track, having a little fun and
laughing in the workplace has its benefits.
Research shows that a happy workforce is a more productive
workforce. Sparing time each day to connect and be a
little silly is known to increase focus and motivation. Laughing in a group encourages creativity and
thinking outside the “formal” box. It
can also built trust, comfort and comradery among teams.
Now that we know the many benefits, how can you implement
more laughter in the workplace?
1. Allow it- I know that seems obvious,
but some supervisors think if you are laughing you are not being productive. The opposite is true. An engaged and happy staff is more
productive. Allot a reasonable amount of
time to bond or schedule some time each week to do a fun activity, share an embarrassing
(but hilarious) story, share or tell appropriate jokes, etc.
2. Loosen up- Leaders need to be
approachable. Poking fun at your
weaknesses or sharing a funny story about an experience can make you more
relatable to staff and build trust with your team.
3. Create a Laughter Committee- If you
have some office clowns, have them create a committee and come up with fun and
creative ways to bring laughter and joy into the workplace. The best ideas come from those who like to
laugh.
As fun as funny is, always be mindful of your audience. I've learned that not everyone thinks I'm as adorable as I think I am. Be sure to keep your jokes and humor appropriate for the workplace and always stay away from humor, teasing or joking that would be in violation of your organization's policies.
I will end this article with a couple of my favorite stories
that are not flattering to me, but when I share them, continues to make me laugh and
others laugh as well.
1. When I was 30-years old, I was walking by a restaurant
and this young man said to his friend, “Ya, she’s hot for being two days past
the expiration date.” At the time I was completely
insulted. The 52-year old me only
concentrates on the first part of his comment!
2. When my son was
around Junior High age, he looked at me one day and said, “Mom, you are really
starting to look like Grandma.” “Oh, ya,
how so? I ask.” He responds, “You both
have parentheses around your mouths.” He was referring to wrinkles!
Now, if you don't think THAT is funny...
Wednesday, April 6, 2022
If It Doesn't Fit-- You Must Acquit (and let it go)
Why do we hold on to people, places and things that limit our growth? From relationships that no longer serve us, to guilt for things we can’t change, to grudges whose cause have long been forgotten, we fail to “let it go.”
It’s time to clean house!
And we are going to start by unloading all the unnecessary baggage we
hold on to that clutters our thinking and our lives.
A couple of weeks ago I had a yard sale. I decided to finally purge my closet of all
the clothes that were in the “one day I will fit back into them” category. This was an incredibly difficult process for
me. In my distorted thinking, letting go
of these too small items was like saying to myself, “I give up!” The reality is, if—and it’s a hefty if—I ever
get down to my early 2000s weight, I can buy new clothes! And no, I am not skirting (get it?) over the
fact that twenty-year-old items hung in infamy in my closet. In my defense, I’ve been alive enough decades
to know that everything comes back into style at some point.
So, why do we hold on to things that not only limit our
growth, but no longer fit? Because letting
go equals change. And change is
scary. For example, my niece went
through her toys that she no longer played with or outgrew and included them in
the yard sale. At first, she was excited
about the potential earnings she would make that would allow her to purchase new
and improved toys. As the day rolled on,
I noticed a stockpile of her old toys were back in the garage.
When we let go of things—even when they no longer fit; or, we
no longer play with them; or, they no longer serve us -- we are letting go of a
time that no longer is and a piece of us that no longer will be. The uncertainty
of it all can be paralyzing. Instead of stepping into the abyss of the
unknown, we curl up in the comfort of familiarity. In my niece’s case, letting go of the old
toys would equal accepting the reality that she is growing up.
Author John C. Maxwell once said, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” You can NOT control change. It is going to happen regardless of how hard
you try to hold on. What you do have
control over is how you approach change.
The following are a few tips on how you can let go of people,
places and things that limit your growth:
1. Acceptance- Repeat
each day, “Change is inevitable. Growth
is optional.” Acceptance is the first
step on your journey of growth.
2. Change your Mindset-
Once you accept the fact the change is inevitable, you can begin to seek and
embrace the benefits that come from letting go.
Opportunities present themselves to us every day; unfortunately, fear
prevents us from seeing what is often right in front of us.
3. Set Yourself FREE- Work on your self-worth. Throughout my life, I’ve struggled with positive
body image and perfectionism. Letting go
of my “skinny” clothes that no longer fit was a step forward in letting go of the
unrealistic and unattainable 20-year-old me and embracing the healthier,
stronger and happier 50-year-old me.
Once you accept and believe you are worthy and good enough, the people,
places and things that are weighing you down will be much easier to rid of.
I want to challenge you to start your spring cleaning today.
List all the areas of your life that
are no longer benefiting you, accept that you no longer need it in your life
and open yourself to all the opportunities for growth that awaits you.
Thursday, March 24, 2022
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