Be careful in the company of monsters that you don’t become one.
― Cindy Gerard, Take No Prisoners
Has your environment made you something that you aren’t? Are you tougher, more aggressive, or curt because the people that surround you bear those attributes? I worked in a very hostile environment once. There was lots of e-mail backstabbing, intentional mis-steps to re-allocate blame, and generally loud executives. I had to learn to fight my battles and keep my cool more than in any other environment I had ever experienced. Some of my colleagues became the stuff of nightmares to me.
But, I also learned a lot. I became more patient. I learned how to craft messages that would appeal to different audiences. I had to continue to do good work, build up my allies, and become objective and fact based in my responses. It ultimately made me stronger. Most importantly, I learned that I didn’t have to be a monster even if I was being surrounded by those that would act in a difficult way.
Remain beautiful, strong, and true to yourself and you will keep those monsters at bay too!
Have a lovely week!
P.S. I’m guest posting about a few summer wardrobe essentials and my recommendations for where to buy them today on Fantabulously Frugal. I’ll never tire talking about the great things to get at Uniqlo!
P.P.S. I hope you like the new site!
Your blog looks amazing!
Oo I like the new blog look! This campaign is so cool, although they are tip-toeing the line by making this look super similar to Where the Wild Things Are.
Yes I also thought of the book too!
i, too, found that my work environment was turning me into something i did not enjoy. gladly, i was able to take myself out of the situation. happy to hear the same about you 🙂
also love the photos that went along with this post. the orange combination is just so pretty.
I’m glad to hear that you are out of that environment J! The orange and earth tones are a brilliant combination!
Wonderful photos. I’m glad you learned when to fight battles and when not to, that can be a hard thing to learn, as we sometimes want to fight every time something happens and need to learn when it’s best to do so. Love the blog layout, so cool :)) Have a great week xx
Yes! We do have to pick our battles and concentrate our energies on what matters!
now these are cool photos!
Great campaign!! Thanks for sharing!!
And congrat your your “new look”!!!
xoxo
Patricia
http://misstoptenimage.blogspot.com
Hiya dear, the new blog design is fabulous! So chic…I know what you mean about hostile environments at work, been there once and got out before it got too bad. Interesting photo shoot, its kinds cute in a creepy way, haha
I love this editorial! The nature of my job is hostile, and can b downright monstrous at times. It often fills me with dread to think about the arguments I am going to have to get into during the day’s work. Thankfully my office environment is a fun one – that helps a great deal. Have a wonderful week!
I’m glad that you get through work and still remain so calm! It is a tough task, but I am sure your colleagues make things better!
Also, I love the new look!
Firstly, I LOVE the new site! Looks amazing! And yes, I can so relate to you. Had been in a similar situation at one point and it was challenging to navigate but overall did make me a stronger person and not a monster 🙂
Happy Monday! xoxo
Love the new look my dear… Congrats on making a successful switch!
The new site looks amazing! I love it! Yes, I’ve been in a very hostile environment in the past, manufacturing ca be dreadful at times, but when I changed the environment it was far better. It’s best to know when to pick your battles. I learnt much during that time, but so grateful to have a much healthier one now, busy but healthy! That (last) orange Mulberry outfit is gorgeous!
Congratulations on the move and so glad to see that you made the transition from blogger to wordpress! I once worked in a similar environment as well, I lasted a year 🙂 And I did not leave looking so chic w/a mulberry satchel in hand that’s for sure.
I have been eyeing Mulberry for a while. Sigh… hope this won’t push me into buying a new bag. : )
i super love your new site! congratulations! it looks fabulous! oh yes, i’ve worked with some demons (and that’s putting it lightly). people can be so mean. it’s important to stay true to yourself and character. once i find out the real person I’m out of there. haha
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
Well said! We also found out the people we are and can become after being in those environments!
Eep, I love your new home! AND I love this post, makes me ache for crisper weather!
cute new site!! congrats!
xo
MOSAMUSE
http://www.MOSAMUSE.com
Love the new look! I found a new home myself…www.wordsnwhimsy.com
I am LOVING the new blog design, it’s fabulous!!
Also totally gobsmacked over that shoot – what fun and original content, not to mention the awesome fashion.
Sorry to hear you’ve had to deal with monsters in the past – I’ve had a similar experience, but not quite as bad I don’t think but it’s not much fun huh?!
Ooh, and YES PLEASE to the banking contacts in Singapore, that would be so awesome and helpful actually thank you. My email’s eleanorhails@hotmail.com – would you shoot me over a message when you get a sec? We’re here until Friday.
Thanks a mill, really appreciate it! xoxo
I like the new style of your blog!! Very chic indeed!
Regarding your post, I’m afraid I’m still working in a place like that, and everyday I remind myself of remaining my true self, of being positive and letting the backstabbing, the meanness and bad manners slide off me. At least I try 🙂 congrats on your beautiful blog: I’d love some advice to improve mine as well!
Love the orange and the new blog!
B
Favoriteblingsandthings.com
Congrats on the new blog look! I love it – fancy! And this is editorial is nothing short of amazing!
Oh, so THAT is where the wild things are.
Loving that orange dress.
(and your new blog look!)
Love that orange dress!!! beautiful indeed!!! xxx