One of my favorite road trip games is the ABC game. You have to find words on signs outside the car that start with A, then B, then C, and so on until you find the entire alphabet in order. Sure Z is a little tricky but you can find tons of signs with Z on them around Macon, GA.
I wanted to look at doing that with gratitude. Constantly searching and finding gratitude in my life is something that has become extremely important. Gratitude directs me towards being positive in whatever situation I have to face. It helps to drive me away from depressive episodes. I want to take time everyday to post a photo of things I am grateful for starting the with corresponding letter.
Today’s letter is A:
Today is Veterans Day and I am forever grateful for America.
I’m going to be getting back to running this week. When, I’m not sure. Between the schedule for the kiddos and my work schedule, I’m having trouble carving time out for running in my day. But it will happen this week. 3 days a week is the goal right now.
When you are working with someone that is toxic, it makes your time at work unbearable. Its worse when that toxicity comes from the top. Toxic leadership kills staff moral, productivity, and growth.
Here are some of the characteristics I have seen just recently.
Selective Bullying: Targeting a certain employee or group with aggression and giving favors to others without a just cause. They mistreat the individual or group in a way that the ones receiving the special treatment notices.
Lack of Knowledge and Unwilling to Learn: Leadership that is unaware of the job done by others and show not willingness to learn. Cross-training is essential in almost every field and profession. If you don’t know the job, how are you able to supervisor and make sure the work is getting done?
Pity Parties: When a supervisor is corrected by the higher-ups, they come and ask those they supervisor “Did I do anything else wrong?” or “I was just trying to help out but I guess I was wrong”. Wow!!! That is textbook narcissism.
No Vision for Growth: It doesn’t matter what field or profession you are in, “If you’re not growing, you’re dying”. Even in the crazy world we live in now, we need to always be looking towards growth. We need to push ourselves to be innovative or we will grow week. Toxic leaders throw their hands up and say “There’s nothing we can do to grow”. Translation, “I’m not going to try”.
Lying: No need to elaborate on this one. When a leader shows deception, faith in that leader is lost.
Part one had safety tips that involved purchasing things. Although these are very helpful, it doesn’t have to be expensive to be safe.
RING RING
There are a lot of evenings that I walk into a dark house and I’m all alone. That can be super scary but it doesn’t have to. I have several people that are available on the phone when I get home. I will call when I pull onto my street, I start calling and I keep talking until I’ve been in the house for a while and I feel comfortable. Lights are on and I have everything out of my car. If you can’t get ahold of anyone, you can hold your phone up to your ear and pretend.
THE FALCON HAS LANDED
The use of codes can be very helpful too. I have heard lots of stories about people calling 911 but they are not able to speak freely. They will order flowers or something that alerts the 911 operators that something isn’t right. I have those with my friends and family. My tribe knows that if any of us starts talking about a certain topic, help is needed.
If you or someone you know is experiencing or has experienced domestic violence, help them contact the local family crisis center. I’ve included a link to the national domestic violence hotline. They have experts that can help put together an in-depth safety plan.
In my line of work, I work with survivors of domestic violence. I am also a single mother that lives out in the woods. Safety is always on my mind. Here are some good tips to use to keep yourself safe.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!!!
I love the exterior motion sensor lights, but sometimes it doesn’t do the trick. If lights go on and off from the inside, that will put any lurking on guard. I recommend the Kassa Smart Plug. I can be sitting in my office and turn my living room lamp, bedroom light, and a light upstairs on. I don’t have to walk into a dark house.
I also love my Blink cameras. I suggest these over Arlo. The batteries are replaceable AAs. They are just easier. I do have the Arlo doorbell with a siren that I can use at anytime. Ive left links to these products on Amazon.
