As I sip my tea and channel the wisdom of my grandparents' era, let's tackle a common workplace dilemma with a dash of humor and a dollop of professionalism.

So, you love your job, the company's message, the clients, and the work you do. But (oh, that pesky "but"), your employer or the person in charge makes you feel like you're walking slowly past an angry mob throwing produce at you for a small mistake. Sound familiar? I feel you.

Quitting is not ideal. It's a hassle for everyone involved – employers, employees, and even the poor HR folks. Plus, redoing your resume and cover letter is never a joyous task. Who knew selling yourself could be so tedious?

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: toxic bosses. Picture this – there's so much gaslighting and manipulation, that it feels like we're back in a bad relationship. No, really.

But fear not, there's hope. In a perfect world, all bosses would be fair, understanding, and just downright awesome. But reality can be a little, well, different. Here's a pro tip: if your boss makes you want to update your resume daily, it might be time to make it like a banana and split.

Now, let's address the cringe-inducing scenarios where promotions turn into a Shakespearean comedy. You ace your review, get the nod for a promotion, update your title, and – poof – enter resistance. It's like a twisted magic show.

But here's the silver lining: all these experiences can be learning moments. They prepare you for handling challenging situations and difficult people (bless their hearts). Remember, it's okay to say "enough is enough" and seek a workplace that appreciates and values its staff.

So, to all the employers out there, take a moment to reflect on how you treat your staff. Your actions have real impacts on your mental and emotional well-being. It's time to mold leaders who engage, supervise, and discipline positively. Let's create a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

In the end, let's strive for a workplace where "Oooooh child" moments are few and far between. And if all else fails, remember – there's always more tea to be sipped. Cheers to healthier work environments!

Seeing you laying at deaths door

Just a tiny shell of the person used to be

What happened inside that made you give up on the outside

How could we have been there more for you

How could I have played a part in helping you stay

I wish I knew you were hurting

Everyone hurts and is going through something in this world

Some hurting more than others

Some feel hurt over little things that we make big

I myself can admit that I have been guilty of that

Some make small of Big problems

Because they don't want others to be able to see their pain

They smile and pretend that life is great for them

And sometimes treat real life like social media by only showing others the happy pictures and rarely revealing the painful moments they encounter

Did you think your burdens were too much for us to carry

I wish I knew you were hurting

I wish I knew to tell you how much and how powerfully you are loved by so many

I wish I could have told you how much you as a person provided impact in so many lives

You were so much more special than you knew

Your heart on your sleeve

Your kindness and humor

Your great love for your son

You found joy in holiday events around the city

Your sunglasses were your best friend

but then again so were taking pictures

and memorializing good times with great friends

Now sadly we all have to say our goodbyes

But we get to hold on to our happiest memories of you

I don't want to hold on to the pain

I wish I knew you were hurting

We wish we could have been there for you

To encourage you to keep fighting

To keep spreading that beautiful spirit of joy among other people

We are now all hurting

When we see and smell fresh Eucalyptus we will think of you

When lavender blooms each season or appears in a bouquet of flowers we will think of you

Whenever we see a bamboo tree

Or fresh grill marks on a healthy meal

And whenever a fresh new Jordan hits the market place

We will think of you

I hope you're no longer hurting

I hope you no longer feel any pain or heartache

You are now at peace

The angels will comfort you and dry your tears

Rest in heaven dear friend, dear mom, dear sister, dear daughter

And know our love for you is internal .

Written by Dereasa Daniels

In Loving memory of Nova ❤️

I'll be missing you

Till the day I die

I've been waiting so long

That I want to cry

You say that you love

And I say I love you too

So, while your missing me

I'll be missing you.

I used to believe that I knew my way around things

In my mind, I was confidently sure that I could always find the way

I'm resourceful enough to find the answers

I'm intelligent enough to choose my own path

I've accomplished this much and I am strong enough to go further...

Unexpected

This is a big obstacle

Confusion

I feel suddenly unsure

Where am I?

Who am I?

How did I get here?

How can I get out of this unfamiliar place?

I don't understand and I can't find the answers that I need

Panic

I don't know how to get the help I desperately need

Where is everybody?

Tears

Vulnerability

Weak and start to question, how can I get through this on my own

Stuck and ruminating thoughts that can't decide where and how to keep going

Lost