POEM: When I Sense Danger

As I sense danger

I become a stranger

estranged from the chaos

distanced from the melee

out of sync with the fuss

and definitely not on the bus

I don't and won't engage

Instead I fly like a bird

that doesn't have a home

I find my own zone

and I skip my own stones 

to get out of the mess

far from the fire

and miles away from the mire

don't drag me in

don't call me out

because I am not 

a contestant in that bout

I prefer peace

I enjoy sanity

I relish in the sunlight

Middle ground is my friend

Compromise is key

but don't take me

for a pushover

know that I know when to 

walk away

and drive the bus myself

or take wings and fly

© Linette Rabsatt

Odd Man Out

I have been the 'odd man out' throughout my life. People think I am always calm and friendly, but I mainly keep to myself. At school, I had a small circle. I didn't think I fit in. At work, I think it's the same. I always feel like I can analyze why things happen. So I think that I act this way because I grew up sheltered and away from my siblings.

A lot of people think they know me. However, I am sure they wouldn't think about me in the terms I shared above. I have had people ask me if I get mad or unhappy. What? Who doesn't get mad? I find these days my temper is increasingly short. My facial expressions cannot hide my frustration, and I don't know if I want to hide it.

I am looking past people's perceptions, and instead, I am doing the best that I can. I have challenges, like everyone else, and I confide in persons that I can trust. Those who follow me on social media quickly realize that I love poetry, puns, and riddles. I do not put private information on display for everyone to see. On LinkedIn, I focus more on learning from others and using the platform to make connections.

I find 2022 just as challenging as 2021. We face changes to COVID-19 protocols, continued travel restrictions, cost of living increases, etc. I took a day off from work because I needed a moment to step back. If I could get a 4-day work week, I would gladly spend more time enjoying what I love.

I continue to say that 'I invest in the things that build me.' I will maintain this mantra for 2022. While I am the 'odd man out.' I want my people to be successful. I will assist, encourage, and guide others so that they, in turn, can do the same for the next person.

I'm still the odd man out, but I know we have a lot of work to do in our community.

Ribbon

POEM: A Smiling God

I often think that God laughs

as he builds me

I'm not trying to be cynical

I’m not trying to hypocritical

but I'm intrinsically focused

on being a better me

and as God builds me

I know he must enjoy comedy

Like these ‘thick of it’ situations

my constant innovations

and big time preparations

and then the plan changes

I know he smiles

as I think I know it all

and that I can't fall

but God knows

I need to stumble

because I need to be humble

so he smiles at me

tripping, failing and trailing

because I'm being developed

it used to frustrate me

but I learned that

you can’t learn if you don’t do

and I’ve done

been undone

and been the unlucky one

I now see life

as a growth opportunity

Because I understand that

God must build me

© Linette Rabsatt

POEM: I Invest in What Grows Me

I invest in what grows me

I connect with who knows me
and who knows and does better
who understands that life must have laughter
to provide a buffer to all that's jilted
but to give life to the plants that are wilted
I don't put time into vile or poisonous tactics
because my energy is for greater concepts
I want to grow and be challenged
but I also want a life of balance
so I see myself as a plant in the medium sun
I look to watch the rain drops as they run
down my leaves and through to my roots
so I must keep my laces tied on my boots
Invest in what can grow you
develop, challenge and nurture you
love people who hold your best interest at heart
and remain friends in the light and the dark


© Linette Rabsatt

Happy New Year from Words of Ribbon with 10 Tips

Happy 2022!

I wish you all the best for 2022 and beyond! We can only hope for the best and put our best foot forward.

1. Moving forward, I recommend these ten (10) tips:
2. Expect challenges and use them as learning and growth teachings
3. Decide if an argument is worth it - put your energy to better use
4. Take care of your health - it is your wealth
5. Go easy on the 'sluxxin' - enjoy your food but go easy on the overeating and binge foods
6. Find some way to keep active and exercise - the internet provides so many suggestions
7. Balance family and work - family first!
8. Take every opportunity to learn something new
9. Step out of your comfort zone - reach for what you desire!
10. Use social media wisely - sell stuff, promote your brand/reputation, connect with loved ones
11. Don't stifle yourself - shut out the negative self-talk and refer to #8

I have stopped making New Year's Resolutions for some time. I believe that we should do our best consistently. I don't subscribe to marking a date for making a change. Just do it! However, if that works for you, go forward.

We are all works in progress. Live, love, and learn.

Linette
Ribbon

POEM: Playing with Words

I went searching for peace

but it left me in pieces

shreds, shards, slivers

like it was a tickle in my liver

and my heart started to quiver

I know I want to be a cheerful giver

living my best life as

upfront, fun and audacious

in my mind so spacious

and with nature so gracious

but I shed tears

I live in fear

and as the sun shines

I stare

directly into it

it's no blitz, no grit and no stitch

I twitch on this journey

and can't switch off the sounds

of the flowers swaying

because no one listens to what I'm saying

and you know I'm not playing

but yet I am playing with words

© Linette Rabsatt

POEM: My Holiday Wish

 

Our Differing Perspectives and Going Forward on Your Journey

While I was going through my garden this morning, I thought about a conversation with a colleague. I encouraged the person to participate in activities and events outside their scope to stay on the radar for promotions or other opportunities. My colleague responded that prior performance should speak for itself. I also understood that perspective.

I also reflected on a recent post by Joan Underwood that she shared about relationship building blocks. Joan related that an action she took, which most persons consider good practice, was not well received by a colleague. She complimented a team member during a meeting, but the colleague preferred a more subtle form of recognition.

As I considered Joan's post, my random thoughts included:

1. I need to be more considerate of my colleagues' feelings.
2. Have I been getting too involved in activities outside of my scope?
3. Can we rely on past experiences to propel our future advancement?
4. Have I been too pushy to colleagues?
5. How can we continue to foster a development culture?

While I understand my colleague, I think that continuing to get involved in activities outside of your job description is helpful once your work does not suffer. Since I re-joined the Public Service in the British Virgin Islands in 2009, I have participated in numerous activities. I am very thankful for the opportunities because I achieved a Master of Public Administration degree and my current appointment. I serve as a testimony of the benefits of getting involved and stepping outside of my job description.

I don't expect another persons' journey to be the same as mine. Everyone develops differently, has different backgrounds and ideals, and has varying values. The nature of your area of work may bring opportunities within your current job or for entrepreneurship. You have to continue your journey.

What has worked for me?

• knowing when to say no
• being open to working outside my job description
• being open to learning
• making connections within my agency and outside
• remaining professional
• remaining customer-focused
• trying to take others on the growth journey
• treating everyone with respect

Continue to shine in your area. If you get an opportunity to share your talents in another area temporarily, try it! If you struggle in your area, ask for help or development, or consider asking for reassignment. You may not be the right fit for that role, and it is okay. Look for those growth opportunities on or off the job, and always do your best!

POEM: The Christmas Debate

When you read my bio on my blog, I introduce myself as mother of two, poet etc. I am an HR Professional at heart because I love developing people. However, I need my creative outlet which is my poetry. I connect with nature through my garden which is my afternoon and weekend delight.

I wrote this poem, "The Christmas Debate" a few years ago. I performed it for the first time at the Alexandrina Maduro Primary School for a Christmas Concert. Then, last year, I decided to contribute to the tart wars by sharing it on Facebook. In the BVI, we love tarts which are traditionally filled with either pineapple, coconut, guavaberry or guava. We have enhanced our culinary pursuits and have added soursop, carambola and other flavors.

View the video and let me know what you think. I don't just debate tart but other Christmas traditions that we hold dear.

The Christmas Debate

https://www.facebook.com/lrabsatt/videos/10221119133382369
Written and Performed by LA Rabsatt
Instrumental by Keishaun Julien 🇹🇹
Produced by Anthony
**No tarts or tart lovers have been harmed in the production of this video**
I do not own the rights to this music

A Random Thought: Do You Love What You Feel?

I think that when Chaka Khan and Rufus sang, "Do You Love What You Feel," they were focused on love and passion. However, I realize that it is deeper than love - it is life. When you enjoy what you do, you excel.

As I review my career, I feel I am more settled today. However, I am not at my ideal. When I was immature, I would call in sick or be tardy. Then, I would seek another opportunity. I was young with no obligations. I was not stressed or unhappy.

Today, I have children and bills, so I keep pushing. I work hard, and I do extra. I earn a better living than I did before I had children. But, I am not at the ideal. So more obligations have brought a better salary but more frustration.

COVID-19 has opened opportunities for learning and growth. Yet, I leave the training sessions and resume duty feeling more frustrated because I can not implement what I have learned. Let's compare this to the itch that one cannot scratch.

I listen to many persons say, "just be thankful that you have a job." I think our managers/leaders should be thankful for us! While they can't pay financial rewards due to current challenges, saying thank you is never out of style.

I said all of the above for a reason. I need to love what I feel when it comes to my career and personal development. I love learning, my colleagues, our opportunities for growth, our creativity, and our potential. So I think my frustration is that I don't love the frustration/confusion. I want to love my path and vision.

So today, I pledge to love what I feel. I promise to correct what I can. I agree to walk away before I let toxic relations affect my mental health and my behaviors.

I have to love what I feel, whether relationships, my career, or my interests.

Do you love what you feel?