Relationships, Politics, and all that Jazz

Susan and Louise facilitated an activity where we were asked to answer questions about our workplace with one-word, they collected the answers and arranged them visually on a scale of positive through negative. Even though we all work in different places it was eye-opening to find that although many of us enjoy our work most seemed to be uninspired or even unhappy in the workplace. Is this because we have high expectations? Is this because we prefer to do our work in isolation and not in teams? Is this because the structures of our workplaces are not keeping up with the expectations of our personal-professional goals and objectives? This activity was truly engaging, eye-opening and deserved much more time for I wish I could begin to answer these questions but know that they will remain unanswered!
After this week's session I read this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, U.S. Poet, essayist and transcendentalist (1803-1882), "People seem not to see that their opinion of the world is also a confession of their character" (Friday, Nov. 24, 2006, The Montreal Gazette) and found it extremely interesting. We had been asked our opionions of our (work) world and many of us found much of our world lacking or not meeting our expectations...many of us are unhappy with our work-world. Could our unhappiness reflect a negative outlook on life? If so, I wish to change...I want to be more positive! I was told a long time ago that it is easier to smile than frown, it is easier to be happy than sad. My husband, when I complain, tells me to look at the positive.

A short anecdote:
One of my sons, when in grade 7 did not like his drama class. At the student-led parent-teacher interviews the teacher practically ignored my husband and I and interviewed our son. She noted a decline in both his work and most importantly his attitude. He had become disruptive in class, walked in late (often with a group of friends) and did not complete his work. The teacher proceeded to let this 13 year old boy know that he was very capable of the work. She told him that she knew he was a leader and that leaders had much responsibility and that the most important choice any leader has is to choose to lead positively or negatively ...it was up to him to choose.
Today, I choose to look at life positively, to realise that I am responsible for my own feelings and actions and have the power to change!