#Weeknotes 56 (1 Dec)— Emotions at work, festive flair, and AI personalities
This week has been a rollercoaster, but as with life.
Work wise:
Work-wise, this week has been a tough week.
It’s one of those where you feel despite your best efforts, things are falling apart around you. A sense of failure caused ultimately by things out of one’s control only can feel crippling.
At one point, in a call with colleagues, I got asked how I was doing. A wave of emotions suddenly enveloped me and I got overwhelmed with tears in my eyes. Everyone was shocked, but none more than I! I couldn’t speak. As someone who always maintained an image of “got-it-together”, I was shocked this was happening to me. That feeling quickly transitioned to embarrassment. As a reflex, I apologised for causing such a scene for those present. Though I know that I didn’t need to. I didn’t want my colleagues to see me in such a state. I don’t want to see me in such a state. It felt surreal.
I don’t believe one’s job should have such an immense effect on one’s emotional and mental health. It’s usually not like this, but with a consultancy gig, you never know what work coming your way. It’s both a blessing and a curse. And here we are.
At the same time, I believe there’s power to showing vulnerability, however uncomfortable and undignified it may feel. At the end of the day, it’s difficult to provide support or solve something that isn’t visible. This doesn’t mean that I embrace it. If I could choose, I would always avoid it at all costs. Because showing vulnerability is hard and requires courage.
What doesn’t help is blind optimism. I often experience the pressure to be or think positively when things are going wrong or when situations become difficult.
I hate that.
Especially when nothing is being done. Simply trying to stay positive can feel like a torturous and meaningless exercise. When others tell you to try to be positive after you share your struggles, it can feel that your feelings are being invalidated. Not only can the call to positivity worsen how you feel but also makes you less likely to express challenges.
Just acknowledge that it’s quite sh*t and sorry they’re going through it. Offer support in any capacity. That’ll go much farther than the simple “There there, cheer up mate!”
Life wise:
I did a walk earlier this week during lunchtime for some fresh air and ended up coming home with some Christmas goodies. I popped by The Flying Tiger shop near me and of course, they already had all the Christmas items up for sale. I was curious and a sucker.
I couldn’t resist bringing home these jazzy Xmas earrings to add to my already growing holiday earrings collection. Judge all you want, I welcome it!
I thought the reindeer hair kit, perfect for my usual bun look, was the prime find until I saw the beard baubles!!! These people are geniuses. While I have yet to grow a beard, and no amount of sweet talk will get my partner to use it, I suspect, they should still work well as hair accessories. After all, beards can be longer than hair, right? It’s all the same.
Now that December is in full swing, I shall dress accordingly 🎄🤶🥰
Things I came across this week:
Most things that come through our mailbox are ads that go directly to the recycling. But the council magazine, I read.
Despite being a very digital person, I quite enjoy the feeling of flipping through paper books and magazines. I feel in the world of news, there’s always an imbalance of fear-driven media and empowering news. This led to me quitting many years ago. Now my source of news comes from my partner, family, friends, and colleagues. It works really well actually, as often only the most note-worthy ones get surfaced so I still seem “in the loop” to the rest of the world.
Anyway, I meant to say, that I was really impressed by the kind of articles and content issues in the council magazine. Nearly a quarter of it is dedicated to helping people find support and community. And boy, don’t we need that more than ever. It made me think about the work I’ve done with the NHS to understand access for people with severe mental illness. How often it’s incredibly difficult for someone in vulnerable situations to proactive seek and get the support they need. Sure, we can design websites and optimise SEOs so people can find specialised support services. In reality, many of those won’t be looking or knowing where to look. Often people aren’t aware of the kind of support available to them.
So having this council paper freely delivered to the door, for the entire community, with no expectation to be read, with all the local support services and wellbeing guides listed, is actually super accessible and valuable for people who are unaware and can really benefit from such knowledge.
Yes, they do have a website. But let’s face it. No one browses their council website for no particular reason.
I hope these council magazines will always keep their physical form. 🙏
Out of curiosity, I asked the AI assistant Claude.ai to reframe the content above in a more lighthearted way. What came back was shocking. I can see why people use these assistive techs to do all sorts. I quite enjoyed reading the output below. I was amazed how my content got rewritten in seconds and exactly to the brief: to be engaging and funny. This AI tool definitely has more character than me.
Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living! This week has been straight out of a Dolly Parton song. My projects feel like they’re crumbling faster than a gingerbread house left outside. Despite my perky efforts, I’m failing harder than an elf at wrapping presents.
Cue emotional meltdown — we’re talking full ugly cry mode — in front of colleagues. Shock all around! Little Ms Got-It-Together is having a moment worthy of reality TV. Cue immediate apologies as I try to stuff my feelings back into my festive stocking where they belong. Can we edit that bit out and pretend it never happened?!
But alas, ’tis the season of oversharing. While baring my soul wasn’t on my holiday to-do list, turns out even this little nut can crack. And showing we’re human under all the tinsel may just lead to more fa-la-la-la-la understanding. Still working up the courage for a reprise performance though!
And let’s pause on the Holiday Cheer Police routine too. “Jingle bell rock” on repeat doesn’t magic wand my troubles away. A simple “Kringle cares” without actual help is the equivalent of a lump of coal in my festive stocking. But by all means keep the perk-me-up puns coming — I’ll be over here in the naughty corner with my tomato nog!
On a festive-er note, I stumbled upon a Christmas wonderland at the shops this week…aka The Flying Tiger. How can one resist such holiday tempting delights? My earring collection grew three sizes that day thanks to some cavity-inducing candy cane baubles. But the pièce de résistance had to be the beard bauble hair clips. I can rock a hipster beard with the best of ‘em!
And that, dear friends, is how one spices up the season. sprinkle a little extra sparkle on top and watch your days glow. Sure to brighten even the grouchiest Grinch! God bless us every one! Gonzo throws confetti🎄✨
I can’t beat that.
But still, I think I’ll stick with my less exciting tone of voice. It’s more me.
