Getting Over Struggles

Reaching out to people when you are in need is difficult. Sometimes you feel like no one can ever understand your plight. In fact many of us can and we sympathize, empathize and try to give words of encouragement. There are some of us who take joy in your hurt and tell you what you want to hear to pacify you so that we can gossip or run fast away from your tirade.

I have been on every aspect of that spectrum and these days, I just leave it to God. I keep my close friends close and have casual conversation about the weather, crime, work etc with others. If someone is not bringing positivity towards me right now, I go the other direction.

I recommend that people facing struggles seek help because bottling it up won't solve anything. Reach out to someone but of course not the person who will spread your business on the street like a tabloid. Speak to a friend who is willing to listen and offer good encouragement - not advice. Seek professional advice if needed.

Take a break. Pamper yourself. Go to the beach. Prepare a favorite meal. Visit family and friends. Take up a hobby. Eliminate some of your debt.

DO SOMETHING! Break that chain and find a way to move forward. Even if the outlook is bleak, still persevere and pray for guidance.

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Some Jobs Ain't Easy...

I never aspire to be perfect but instead I work hard and roll with the punches. Many people are unhappy at their jobs and this is a reality worldwide. I am not in an optimal situation right now but so it is with most jobs. What you learn in school or at workshops don't always happen in the real world.

I do feel that just as a one bad egg can spoil the dozen, one good one can still used. Where people become so unhappy it leaves for a very unhappy environment. In some cases where people's jobs are threatened, their work in fear unsure of their next paycheck. What we need to do is learn our rights so that we are not treated as ignorant underdogs. We must also keep a log of events - good and bad. Submit reports for assigned tasks, even when you are not asked.

We have to work with difficult, lazy, disgusting and even micromanagers.  Learn your boss and do what you can until you can do better. If you need your paycheck, try to abide by the rules but remember slavery has been abolished so there is no need to take nonsense or sexual harassment from any supervisor.

Keep your head on and up. Remember, you don't need a job to shine. You came shining and can leave shining. However, you must know your rights!

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Picture from the BVI: Views from the North

View from Diamond Estate, Tortola, British Virgin Islands!

LOVELY!

The Journey of Walking to Car Ownership to Walking Again

I used to want a drive Ford Mustang in the 1990s but then I realized how much gas it burned. I always liked Toyota Camrys too because they were considered a high end sedan.

My first car was a 1991 2-door Toyota Corolla with the flip up lights. Of course this was in 2003 but I loved my little 'ragga' car. I rolled around in that little car for almost 2 years and then I realized that living in the hills required a tougher car. I then realized that a Subaru had everything that I needed - space, all wheel drive and mega comfort. I did get my Forester but it got into an accident. Apparently the insurance guys thought that the car was too good for me so they twisted my arm to get it.

Then I got a Mitsubishi Lancer and that was a huge mistake for me. It was expensive to maintain and then the transmission broke down. This was a time for good decision making. If a car repair costs 5 months rent, is it worth it? I'm cheap so NO.

I then decided that I had had enough. Gas prices have sky-rocketed and cars always need to be maintained. What's harder is that if the vehicle is not a US spec, it's harder to get parts. When you get the parts it's super expensive. I catch the bus and while it's not super convenient, I get around for less cost than owning a car right now. Plus, it's an easy way to just not take part in stuff.

My thoughts on young people just out of high school or college buying a car:
1. Buy a used car but have it checked thoroughly.
2. If you have finished college, think about buying land or opening a business first.  Land appreciates, business blossom but cars depreciate.
3. Be prepared to take care of your vehicle. Rotate your tires and change them as needed. Check your fluids weekly and keep an eye on your wiper blades.
4. Don't let your gas tank go the E often.
5. Park and walk to close destinations.
6. Keep your ride clean inside and out even though I sucked at the outside part.
7. Service the vehicle regularly. A family member or friend can do two of the services for the year and the dealer or mechanic can do one or two also just to ensure that all the sensors work etc.

Every one has to make the decision that makes life easier for them. My journeys sometimes take longer and sometimes I move faster. Once I can get there safely, I'll get it worked out. I'm actually more on time now without the car.

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Why Should I Cage My Mind?

I've run from many obstacles and I've hidden lest I fall. However, I realize that running won't save me from embarrassment or any problem. I have to live in the hole that I dig for myself. I have to deal with the nonsense that I get involved in whether willingly or forcefully. I have to love and forgive the people that set blocks in my way.

If I take time to harp on the negative I can never really move ahead. I am not a caged animal so why should I cage my mind. Why should I let others get under my skin so that I can not function or even get myself together. I've let that happen in the past and while I may cry, swear or shout, I don't waste that energy for too long anymore.

As a good friend always says it's not "in my sphere". I 'suck my teeth' and keep going!

26 Things I do with My Children

What do I do with my children?
1. I dance with them.
2. I discipline them by taking away privileges or spanking.
3. I help them to learn by giving them little assignments.
4. I pray with them.
5. I try not to leave them here and there by friends and family.
6. I encourage them to ask questions to people in the community.
7. I sing with them.
8. I do hula-hoop with them.
9. I try to give them a fruit every day.
10. I try to limit the number of candies they eat to none or less than two in a week.
11. I give them water to take to school, not juice.
12. I give them juice at night with dinner.
13. I let them sweep and take the sheets off the bed.
14. I encourage them to take part in Flower Show, Fun Day and other competitions.
15. I encourage them to walk with me.
16. I teach them dances from the 90s - soca especially.
17. I take pictures of them.
18. I tell them how I feel - even when I am annoyed I let them know they are annoying me.
19. I put them to sleep before 9pm.
20. I wake them up by 6am.
21. I let them sleep a little late on Saturdays unless we have an event to attend.
22. I take them to church.
23. I sometimes let them learn the hard way - you keep destroy your schools supplies and you will walk emty-handed.
24. I tickle them.
25. I think I encourage good hygiene.
26. I love them even when they get on my nerves.


Of course life is never limited to a list so I do a lot more!
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POEM: The Youth are Calling

The youth are calling
for us to reply.
They are crying loudly,
they don't want to be denied.
How can we save them?
We need not ask when.
We need to be proactive
so they can be content.
What do they ask for?
Just for nurturing and care,
they need good role models
so their lives can be repaired.
We need to pray for our youth,
we need to pray for their parents,
We have to pray for the community
for our lives to see improvement.
Our youth need good leaders
who implement good plans.
They need Godly direction,
to be great women and men.
Your question may be,
"What is my role?"
We all have to work together
to help the lost souls.
We all have to unite
and fight for the same good causes.
Let us lead our people
like great men such as Moses.
The youth are calling,
We can hear their cries.
When they call at your door,
what will be your reply?

© Linette Rabsatt