- "It is what it is." If something has happened, do not focus on the reasons. Instead, look for solutions.
- Regardless of what you do, something else will go wrong. We can not control life. Accept that there will be challenges.
- Aim for win-win. In other words, think positively. Do your best. You can only control what is within your reach. Do what you can in the best way that you can.
- You can not please everyone. Even though you aim for a win-win situation, this will not always be the case.
- Ask for advice. Sometimes, you have to seek other opinions. Sometimes, you need professional help. If you do not know, ask someone.
- When you have time before making a big decision, create a pros and cons list.
- Do your research and compare your options.
- Pray and meditate. Tap into your spirituality for guidance and inspiration.
- Make a snap decision. Some choices call for a quick reaction.
- Recognize when you have made a poor decision. Learn from it and try not to repeat that mistake.
Sunday, April 4, 2021
Ten Things to Consider When Making Decisions
POEM: A Time to Vent
you may wonder where everything went
when there is no vent
or a timer of how time was spent
or how many backs were bent
and what feats they saw invent
but in the present
we may say it's nonsense
it's past tense
because we may want to do more to prevent
a break in the crescent
an uproar in the convent
not saying anything indecent
or words that you can resent
but things you hold in sentiment
not feelings that you rent
or things that you hold pent
or haughty moves like the prominent
instead think like your words are lent
and of course don't be violent
because disembodiment
isn't part of the event
your heart just needs to be present
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
POEM: Drive
to survive
to stay alive
to thrive
but remember
there are times when
you will sigh
and you may even cry
your eyes dry
but don't run and don't fly
off the handle
or break your bangles
so that you end up tangled
in a web you can't get out of
instead focus your love
focus your mind
focus your energy
and find that synergy
because you can be successful
and everything you touch
can be plentiful
you just have to start
with being hopeful
© Linette Rabsatt
Ribbon
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Progression or Regression in Our Corner of the World
Saturday, February 13, 2021
POEM: Feelings
it's all the same
my name
my bane
my shame
the game of life
my strife
I hurt
I curse
and I pen this verse
because that's the only way
I can say
how I feel
my real
feelings
with no ceiling
no discretion
not for impression
or in suspension
it's my dimension
how I will deal
with my shame
my bane
in here and out there
© Linette Rabsatt 2021
Saturday, February 6, 2021
BVI Book Highlight: "The Virgin Islands Dictionary" by Kareem-Nelson Hull
"Face Mek Up," "Goonk," "Lass Lap," "Shame Box," and "Yabba" are words that Virgin Islanders know very well. Our native tongue is English; however, we have our unique British Virgin Islands dialect. In our islands, we may have word and phrase variations for certain things, and our accents may be a little different. However, when we communicate, we understand each other.
Virgin Islands author and public relations professional Kareem-Nelson Hull compiled a dictionary of Virgin Islands words and phrases in "The Virgin Islands Dictionary: A Collection of Words and Phrases So You Could Say It Like We." Mr. Hull, who also co-wrote the Territorial Song, "O Beautiful Virgin Islands," with his sister, Ayana Hull, also an author, is someone who promotes Virgin Islands history and culture. He also runs the VIlingual page on Facebook where he shares Virgin Islands history.
Any Virgin Islander who peruses the dictionary will be smiling and nostalgic because Kareem has captured our culture through language. Each word has its Virgin Islands spelling, pronunciation, and sample sentence. The authors also shares some rules that Virgin Islanders are very familiar with. The one that made me smile is "We didn't sleep together." If a Virgin Islander tells you that, it means that you have not greeted them. Always remember to say, "Good Morning (Mawnin)," "Good Afternoon (Afternoon)," and "Good Night (Evening)."
The definition that I would like to share is 'Crab Foot and Hangers,' which the author lists as a noun/adjective. I remember hearing and using this phrase as a child.
Crab Foot and Hangers
Definition: particularly unattractive penmanship (like that of a doctor) while either taking notes or writing to someone
My Sample Sentence: The teacher told me to rewrite the essay because she couldn't understand my crab foot and hangers.
I also encourage visitors to the islands to get a copy of this dictionary. You will become familiar with aspects of our traditions, as well as our language.
Kareem shared that he became inspired by various sources to create this dictionary - during his educational journey and after residing on another Caribbean island. He advises other writers to write about what they know, what interests them, and what exhilarates them. Kareem is hoping to publish a Virgin Islands Book of Proverbs soon.
As you thumb through the dictionary, you will realize that this project would have taken time, patience, and immense research to complete. Kareem-Nelson Hull, I salute you and offer my congratulations on this excellent work.
Linette Rabsatt