Tuesday, February 22, 2022

POEM: Who It Is

I don't always know
where to go
but I surely know
who to turn to
who will
answer the call
I know who will not
let me fall
and who I can
bear my all to
and as I am short
who can stand tall
and will ensure
I don't look back
who will always
pull up the slack
It's a fact
I know who's
got my back
I know who will 
walk far for me
who will help me
to portray a better me
I appreciate 
who is my light
who is my inspiration
and who is my number one
fan, cheerleader
and co-conspirator
in all things good

Ⓒ Linette Rabsatt

Monday, February 14, 2022

Behaviors We Need to Check Ourselves On

I get my inspiration from many places, but it is more prominent when I garden or hang clothes. I draw ideas from conversations, happenings, memes, or concerns. This blog post came from a series of different events that alarmed or surprised me. I started to consider growing up and what people told me. I also thought about what I say to my children and other young people. Therefore, I decided to pen this list of behaviors we need to reconsider.


  • No Comparison to Siblings, Parents, or Other Members of the Family

We are all not the same. We don't process things the same way, and we do not have the same talents. Please don't compare each other. I say this to teachers and employers. Learn about each person through interaction and encourage them in their journeys.


  • I am Not My Hair or My Skin

A hairstyle is a personal choice and does not depict anything but a personal choice. You do not have to like someone's hairstyle, but you should not judge the person by how their hair looks. I would say it is the same for tattoos. Some religions frown on tattoos, and I don't have any. However, some people enjoy wearing their tattoos, dreadlocks, perms, etc. That is fine!


  • Custom and Culture are Different

I have said this before in a previous blog postWe must recognize that culture evolves; therefore, we should record the history that we create. Our future generations need to be able to appreciate our journey.


  • Don't greet me with "You Get Fat!"

Somehow, we think it is cute to greet someone with, "How you get so fat?" or "You lose so much weight - you sick?" We emphasize physical appearance, yet we encourage unhealthy eating habits and lifestyles. We can ask how someone is doing or about their family or job. Maybe, we could greet the person and not ask them anything. I think we have hurt too many people with our words. It's time to change the conversation.

Funny Meme
Meme: https://me.me/i/all-caribbean-people-do-is-ask-you-to-bring-something-17898247


  • "Mind your Business"

Please refer to the previous bullet point and focus on developing yourself or encouraging those around you. We call it "melee" when you gossip. If you put more energy into your personal growth instead of digging into others' personal lives, you can use that time to learn new skills or enjoy yourself with your family. In this category, I also ask that you do not speak ill of other people's children, despite any wrongdoing. Instead, pray for them and their parents.


  • Let People Choose their Career

When I was growing up, people told me:

  1. Don't be a lawyer because they lie a lot
  2. Join the army
  3. Not to say you want someone's job because they will block you in life

Today, I smile. I have exploratory conversations with my children. I chose my path based on my interests because I wanted to be happy and inspire others. We do not have to agree with our children's choices, and we should encourage them to weigh all options. However, I know what it feels like to be unhappy in a job, so I will not pressure anyone to choose a career they are not comfortable pursuing.


  • You Can't Force "Big People!"

We love to push our personal opinion on others. Stop it! If someone asks for advice, share it. If you see another person going down the wrong path, encourage them to do better. However, do not push your agenda on other people. Whether you are forcing them to side with your political, religious, or biased view, stop it! Share your side and let the person make their decision.


  • Listen!

Please listen to the person speaking with you. We clutter the world with activity, media, and confusion, so you cannot always focus your time to listen. However, if someone reaches out to you, please hear them out. Don't be quick to hear and dismiss. Sometimes, people need your help or need to vent. 


I mentioned the word 'journey' several times and alluded to communication and perception throughout this post. We have to be mindful of ourselves, relatives, friends, co-workers, and the community. We all are on a journey and need each other. Be good to those with who you come in contact.


Ribbon

Thursday, February 10, 2022

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

Sunday, January 30, 2022

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

Monday, January 24, 2022

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

Saturday, January 8, 2022

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

Friday, December 31, 2021

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: Sweet by Linette Rabsatt