Pretty Dope Right?

If you have been following me for a while, you’ll know that at one point, this page offered “creativity coaching” services. I know right. Another “coach.” Well I have since then (last year) tucked away the idea of being branded as a coach. However.

I had created all kinds of materials for a “F.O.C.U.S” course that I never launched on Teachable. The class was supposed to be offered completely online for about $10 per attendee. The course was designed to help people “focus” on their creativity. Now while I still may actually launch this sucker as an in person workshop, I figured that I’d give part of the course away as a freebie via this blog. Like it? Let me know? Love it and want to force me to actually teach the course? Let me know that too! Hated it? I wanna hear it! All feedback is welcome!

Click the link below to access the full PDF.

Where Does the Time Go?

The writer in me wouldn’t allow for me to end the school year without writing something to you all. So here it goes.

Students.

I have heard you.

I believe you and believed in you

I stand with you

I stand for you

You have inspired me to be a better person. A more responsible person. You have taught me how to keep an extreme poker face. You have taught me how to always speak up. You have reminded to stay young at heart. You have taught me the power of words. You have  made my heart even more fragile than it already was. You have also served as daily reminders that education is where I’m supposed to be and where I should have been all along.

As you continue on your journey, please remember and understand that while you may think that many of the things that you do and say, don’t matter, they do. To someone. Somewhere. Many of the things you post and share online may be cute and even funny, but be mindful that monsters are real and there are people that prey upon the young and the restless. Stay as alert and aware as possible. Be cautious of your surroundings. And don’t be so quick to deem a person your friend, homie, lover, sister or brother.

While Ms. Royster may always be peace, love and zen within the classroom, I do worry about y’all more than you’ll ever know. Many of you know that there are two things that Ms. Royster “don’t play about,” and that’s my money and my students. Anytime there is  news shared with me involving a young person under the age of 18, my heart stops. I say a quick prayer that it isn’t a student and more importantly, that it isn’t one of MY students. Fortunately, that has not been the case thus far. I do not take this for granted.

You all have graciously welcomed me into education. As I have stated at the beginning of each semester, it has been an honor to be your teacher. I have enjoyed seeing your growth, maturity, honesty and independence. Thank you for not giving me any “horror stories” to tell my friends about. I have been eager and happy to answer all of your questions about MY “real world” experiences (even the ones that didn’t make sense). Thanks for all of the music that you have put me on to. Thanks for all of the memes. Thank you for respecting me at all times. I’m one of the lucky ones.

Above all, thank you for constantly “gassing me up” on how amazing I am as a teacher and that there should be more educators like myself. I’ll surely miss you, especially my seniors. If any of you ever become famous, remember that Ms. Royster gets VIP treatment. And vice versa if I become famous first! I wish you all much continued success and prosperity in whatever passions you pursue, but always remember that your peace of mind is PRICELESS. Protect it AT ALL COSTS.

With sincerity, peace, love and light

-Ms. Royster

…you’re on the verge of slapping the shit out of your colleagues and it seems like everybody in the office has got you “fucked up” as well.

Ok. Now breathe. I get it. I’ve been there.

If you don’t have bail money or aren’t in a position to quit, here are a few strategies to help you “cope.”

Write it down, ball it up, toss it out

I can’t even begin to tell you how many trashcans I’ve filled up using this method. Working in a shitty corporate setting will do that to ya. Not only did this method provide immediate relief, but over time, I noticed that I wrote less and less notes. I began to regain my sanity without sacrificing my job. I began smiling more and became more engaged with the team. I kept it cordial with the folks that bothered me and focused on nurturing the healthier relationships.

Phone a friend and throw a bitch fit

The GroupMe app is heaven sent! My friends were the first group of people that knew how much I hated my last job. Of course they understood. Half of them calmed me down from slapping the hell out of my boss. Now the other half was willing and ready to show up and show out. Support is support. I’ve vented on numerous occasions……sometimes til I was in tears of frustration. I’ve gone out “for drinks” to de-stress til I damn near collapsed from being drunk. Here’s a secret.

There will be more days like this. It happens.

HOWEVER. There are a few housekeeping rules to keep in mind.

Begin with a hello, how are you? Don’t just jump straight into the bitch fit. Perhaps who you called was just about to call you for a bitch fit themselves.

Another housekeeping rule……always ask if it’s okay to vent. Again. Don’t just jump straight into the bitch fit. Simply but respectfully put, sometimes……

THEY DON’T WANT TO HEAR THAT SHIT!

I have been the friend that has felt that way and I’ve also been on the other end of that when I was told “Racquell, I don’t mean to be rude but I’m not really trying to hear that shit today.” I respected that. This person’s feelings were valid. I’ll be honest. It stung a bit but it also forced me to calm down even faster after I was met with this response. You’re also more likely to calm down quicker if you’re pressed for time to throw your fit.

Meditate

Meditation is my go to. One can literally meditate anywhere…….including work. Taking a walk is a form of meditation. Closing your eyes and focusing on light is a surefire form of meditation. Focus on your breathing. Your heartbeat. I also think that music is a form of meditation. Try binaural beats. Listen to piano instrumentals. I have a “lovey dovey” playlist that never disappoints.

Mentally play out the scenario

Growing up, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the fights on Jerry Springer. Sometimes I would even turn the volume off and create the arguments for the foolish guests on the show. Who knew that years later, I’d be doing the same thing for situations within my own life. In some of my scenarios, I’ve even added “theme music.”

It’s hard. Between the year zooming by, a million retrogrades and a super strain of pollen hitting the air, you’re likely to be one telemarketer call away from snapping.

While it may be easier to maintain your sanity at home, many people are struggling to maintain it at work.

Regardless of where I’ve worked, my colleagues always commend me for keeping my cool (for the most part). But what they don’t know is that I do indeed get upset but I try my best to not allow people to see me sweat. Actually I have (in my head) physically assaulted quite a few people. Heavy emphasis on “in my head” of course.

Now that I’m in a field that requires me to keep a poker face, I have to work double time to keep a level head. I use these techniques several times a day. Perhaps they will work for you too.