I spend many hours on the expressway to and from work and often find sources of inspiration in the people who ride with me—my bus buddies, a passing sign, or even strangers in their cars who are unaware of the curious woman gazing down at them from the darkened bus. On this particular day, I was lost in a game on my phone when something pulled my eyes upward—just in time to catch a message on an advertiser’s sign: “Hope Must Be Loud.” Before I could fully absorb the message, the sign vanished from view. But that was enough. There was hope.
In a world dominated by highlight reels and curated perfection, it’s easy to believe that everyone else has it all figured out. Social media, glossy magazines, and even our everyday conversations often paint a picture of flawless lives—smiling families, dream vacations, successful careers, and perfectly decorated homes. But behind the filters and carefully crafted narratives, reality often tells a different story.
Let’s be honest—finding joy at work isn’t always easy, especially in a toxic environment. When negativity, office politics, or a lack of appreciation dominate the workspace, it can feel almost impossible to stay motivated and happy. But what if I told you that joy at work is still possible? Not because of the workplace itself, but because of the mindset you choose to cultivate. Working With Joy!
Recently, a young friend shared an excerpt from a wrap-up lecture by his Law Professor in which he advised the group to approach the upcoming Bar exam with the mindset of mental warriors, viewing it as an opportunity – “I get to do this “ rather than a burden – “I have to do this.” He explained that the latter caused stress and encouraged the emerging legal apprentices to focus on the positive reasons for their action to avoid it. The mental warrior- building a growth mindset.
We live in a world where distrust seems to have taken root at every level of society—whether personal or professional. Even within families, children sometimes doubt that their parents will honor commitments, fulfill responsibilities, or live up to their promises. This erosion of trust highlights the need for a key virtue: transparency.
Throughout the many years in the public and private sectors, I’ve observed people failing to take breaks and enjoy the rest they deserve. Employees may lose vacation time simply because they didn’t make a commitment to use it. The reasons are usually the same in both sectors.
Soon another year will come to an end and for many, it’s a time to reflect on the year, learn, and plan for the future.
I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but I often take time to reflect on the highs and lows of the year. The reflection usually happens during quiet moments alone, usually in my den. As I grow more mature – by now you all know I don’t use the word associated with one’s senescence – my life decisions and goals become more meaningful and carry greater impact.
I often feel like I should be doing something, anything continuously, even on my day off from work. But then I ask myself: what’s the point of taking a day off if I don’t actually allow myself to rest? Our bodies have a way of reminding us when we need to pause—whether it’s through physical pain or mental fatigue, like struggling to focus. While life often pushes us to rush, maintaining balance requires us to push back. The gift of rest is a free treasure we often overlook.
The beauty of the Fall Season is more than just the cooler air or the vibrant colors of the changing leaves. It sets the stage for the Thanksgiving festivities.
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