Something Witty

My daily venture to love myself. Happiness first.

[machetelanding]

[brookheimers]

[worldsbestnightmare]

My life during busy season at work.

[worldsbestnightmare]

A Month in L.A.

It has been a full month at my new job in a new town. Never did I expect to love this city like I have. It is full of adventures and opportunity not found many places. But with the excitement and ambition comes home sickness. I wonder when I'll visit home again and if this might become my permanent one. Being an adult means taking that leap forward, even if it's dark up ahead, because you know it's best for you. But I don't have to wander into the unknown alone. I am truly fortunate to have a partner on this journey. He keeps me afloat when stress tries to pull me under, while sharing my joys and memories. Though it is not always sunshine, we weather it together. Cherish your partner, because they chose to persevere with you. Not everyone lines up to do so.

[humansofnewyork]

"I’m twenty two, but I don’t think I’m young. I think you mature the moment you know what you want to do."

[humansofnewyork]

"I tend to be cynical about a lot of things, but Maya Angelou is somebody that no matter how much I pick her apart, she still has integrity. She was a victim of incest and rape, and she worked as a stripper. And now she’s a literary icon and Nobel Laureate. It goes to show that life is cumulative, and you can’t devalue any type of experience."

[worldsbestnightmare]

Home

There is absolutely no greater feeling than coming home to a hot shower and a comfortable bed after a crazy, wonderful day in Los Angeles. Makes one contemplate what home actually is. After being in California, anticipating the move, our concept of Texas as home diminishes. We are getting antsy to make our way to the West Coast and chase some dreams. There's no greater time than now!

[worldsbestnightmare]

Continuing Education

I would love to see more companies incentivize or promote continuing education. Perhaps, companies can create outer-office meetups for edX classes. For each employee that receives a certification for the class, they can earn a bonus or a gift. Another feasible option is a mentorship program. This could entail a more experienced employee checking in and providing helpful resources they've used. A shared library of effective books and materials is great for discovering new perspectives on current knowledge. But what about expanding talents and skills outside of the immediate position? How can we mold more well-rounded employees? Training and mentorships between less related branches of the company may improve inter-office relationships and encourage expanded learning. This boosts morale and confidence in the workplace by directly engaging employees. Further, educated and versatile employees can create new ideas. That's great news for future growth.

[worldsbestnightmare]

Happy 450th Birthday, Shakespeare!

Last year, for Shakespeare's 449th birthday, I wrote about my future as an English graduate. As a new English major, I had no plan for my career. It only mattered that I was happier. Shakespeare reused older stories but told them with his unique voice and style. The lesson for writers to take away is even if there are no new stories, there are fresh and unique voices waiting to be heard. A year later, I continue to gain perspective and to find my place. Learning and reflection never stops. But I know I want to write. I have started a new social media persona, a satirical voice of this generation. Many have tackled the mistakes Millennials are making in their job search and their worries about adulthood. But few are connecting on a personal or humorous level. Why not use Shakespeare's approach? I want to convey truths and struggle with comedy. Even Shakespeare's tragedies are laced with humor. So, let's celebrate a man who found the humor in life! Happy birthday to a man who reinvented storytelling!

[worldsbestnightmare]

Learn to Play Again

Take just one minute today to go outside. Go blow bubbles or write yourself a positive message in pastel chalk. You’re never too old to draw or to spin in circles, watching the bubbles float off the wand. I guarantee you’ll feel happier and more alert.

[worldsbestnightmare]

Check out Millennial Adult (@MillennialAdult)! Satirizing the millennial struggle into adulthood.

[worldsbestnightmare]

This is me, bright-eyed (pun intended) and optimistic about my future career!

[worldsbestnightmare]

First Line of Profit Defense

Corporate morale is directly linked to employee retention rates. That is a no-brainer. But how does this affect a business’s bottom line or their operations?

High employee happiness leads to higher productivity. That means, as your employees suffer, so will their efficiency. That directly affects your business and sales.

Think about the cost to replace your employees. Not only must a new employee be trained, but a qualified trainer is brought in. Both employees are being paid for one job as the new employee learns. The productivity may also suffer during this learning period.

As your experienced employees leave, so may some of your clientele. Think about that restaurant you love. If your favorite staff members are no longer there to take care of you and are replaced with newer employees, it is very likely you will do less business.The vacancy can create further issues as employees compensate for the absence.

This is not to say new employees can’t bring great change to the table. Of course they can. But when hordes of unhappy employees leave, it leaves more than just one new employee contributing or learning the ropes. Imagine the toll of replacing five or ten at once.

Why, then, are businesses not more focused on morale and retention? How can companies effectively build a happier workforce?

In an article from the American Management Association from this year, respect and trust are the easiest to target, though not always the fastest to build. While there are many resources available highlighting the causes and solutions for morale, the Department of Labor estimates the average cost of replacing an employee may be up to 30% of their salary. If that doesn’t convince a company to find solutions, they are complacent with damaging their bottom line.

[worldsbestnightmare]

Cosmetic

There is something deeply damaging about cosmetics’ advertising.

Beauty brands convince us that, to be famous and attractive, we need makeup and expensive lotions. We are told that the fountain of youth is held in a $40 jar of night cream.

Why do I need to look like the women on t.v.? Can’t I look like myself and be beautiful in that way?

If you want to use makeup, use makeup. But I don’t believe we should spend time worrying if we match up with celebrities in magazines. Focus on your inner beauty. Spend money to better your soul.

[humansofnewyork]

"I wish I’d partied a little less. People always say ‘be true to yourself.’ But that’s misleading, because there are two selves. There’s your short term self, and there’s your long term self. And if you’re only true to your short term self, your long term self slowly decays."

[kitcatno]

[worldsbestnightmare]

When we peer review my horrible rough draft

[worldsbestnightmare]

Deep Thoughts

How sad it is that animals have to lap up their water instead of quenching their thirst with a jug of water down the gullet.

[worldsbestnightmare]

I've never been so excited about a book or a class. #Englishmajor #nerdout #nofilter