Beyond 254

Can Nature Make You a Better Person?

I was reading an article at www.MSNBC.com about how looking at nature can improve your mood and behavior. Click on the link below and as you read, think about how nature can play a role in your personal life and how it can be improved just by making a few organic adjustments.

MSNBC link: Looking At Nature Makes You Nicer

Is High School Really Over?

Sorry I have been so behind on my blog postings. I am working on some new changes for Beyond254 that I will be unveiling within the next couple of months, so I have been really busy. But, I wanted to take time to comment on an article I just read today on a Wall Street Journal Blog called "The Juggle." The title of the article was Meritocracy or "Mean Girls." How Important is Office Popularity? The article really spoke volumes to me, because this explains the environment at my current workplace. As I was reading this article, it felt like I was reading about my company. Also, I read some of the readers' comments and it mirrors what I am going through. The gossiping,  jealousy, back-biting and back-stabbing is very common where I work. Also, swearing is commonplace. The management team in my department does not even try to hide the fact that they play favorites. I remember after working at my current company a few months, we had a team dinner with one of the clients we were working with. I do not drink, so naturally I did not order a drink with my dinner. After the dinner, I went to the restroom and a female manager followed me. While we were in the restroom, she questioned my choice of not drinking and then she said something that totally shocked me. She said, "You do not drink, how are you going to fit in with the group?" I was so stunned I could not even come back with one of my sarcastic one liners. I was literally speechless!

I really feel that high school is never over. It is amazing to me that some adults can be so immature and let pettiness cloud their judgment. I guess that is why starting my own company is so important to me, because I want to be free of these toxic environments. So, what are your thoughts? Does this sound like your office environment? Let me know, I would love to hear from you.

Tip of the day - To cope with my toxic environment, I have found a few good, like-minded people on my job that I interact with. Also, whenever I feel that someone is trying to pull me into a toxic conversation, I try to change the subject or find an excuse to walk away. Until you can escape, just bear with it, try out these tips and just know that one day you will be free of this environment.

Enjoying the Lull

The last few weeks have been pretty peaceful for me. Currently, I have very few active projects, so it makes the work day less stressful. I am enjoying every minute of this "downtime" and not complaining one bit. I have some projects coming up in the near future, but I am in no hurry for those to start. The first 7 to 8 months of 2008 were very stressful. Even my Manager mentioned the challenging projects I had earlier this year, so I totally deserve this slow period. I need it so I can recharge. The next time you encounter a slow period on your job embrace it. Most people would complain of boredom, but instead of complaining use this time to reflect on the past challenges and what you learned from them. Take it from me, your body and mind will appreciate this slow period, so take advantage of it.