It took me a lot of strength to get up from my chair and walk to my boss’ cubicle. It was just a few steps away but this time it was enough to make up my mind. Several times before I had tried to walk the same hallway and then found myself turning back and convincing myself to stay just a little bit longer.

This time was different. She was talking on the phone so I had to wait for a few minutes. When she hung up I took the seat across from her and told her without hesitation “I quit”.

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As soon as I arrived to my office I felt the difference. My boss invited me to help in a project, an innovation project. We had to create an internal campaign for our people to join in this massive international brainstorming. Everyone could join and add as many ideas as possible to build the future of our company. People could vote, comment or even add to ideas from other colleagues. The best idea would win great prizes.

This was not a contest like any other. This was big (international big), and my office had to make sure that everyone was in. We had to make sure that every person knew about this contest and that everyone helped boost our participation level.

After talking to my boss I started thinking about marketing tools, new channels of communication… and the phone rang.

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As I sit on a bench somewhere in the veins of Reforma, I think of myself as a person who doesn’t need anything else.

I brought my music with me, the songs I was meant to listen as I write something for this unjustified and unfairly forgotten blog. But, I rather listen to the noise of the city at this not so busy time of the night; this time where I can take off some work over my shoulders and write.

Changes are happening for me. Big changes. I soon will be part of another Marketing area, and no longer will be part of the editorial pool.

At first I felt excitement, as I will be in an area so much closer to my heart; then as the news sank in. I felt some kind of resistance, for I am no expert in the soon-to-be my flied. On the other hand, the trust given to me is so much higher than the one I sometime have for myself.

That being said, as I write this, I just let the fear settle for an instant. I savor the feeling of failure, the feeling of my worst –case-scenario; sense it, own it, let it possess me for a while. And then I let it go and never think of it again.

Instead, I feel my body with confidence and love. So many times I’ve felt the same anguishing tremble, and back then, just like now, I know deep in my soul that I can exceed in this new adventure. Exceed. Succeed. Prevail. Learn. Transform. Grow. Be Love.

The summer is gone, and here @ my office we are enjoying the last half-day Friday of this year and looking forward to what surprises the new season has for us.

As for this section of the @Office Series, let me tell you I’m not giving it up. So next week, and until summer’s back, we will be celebrating Gratitude-Attitude Fridays. Yeah baby!

So in this festive mood, I’m wondering:

What do you Love about autumn?

I am grateful for your answers and every comment you share in the space below.

In Mexico we are celebrating 200 years being an independent country.
On the morning of September 16^th, 1810, and after Napoleon had invaded Spanish, the priest Miguel Hidalgo rang the church’s bell, calling the people of Dolores (mostly peasants and laborers) to upraise against an all-French government. Little he knew that this first movement would be the detonator of our path towards independence.

Each year, the President of México leads in a ceremony in the central plaza (Zócalo), remembering this moment and calling for the long life of our democratic Nation and the memory of the heroes who fought for our independence.

Of course, this year the celebration will be spectacularly awesome! It has been almost two years of preparation for this day. Every important avenue leading to the Zócalo is closed, including the one my office is at.

Fortunately some people at work had the chance to work from home. That’s not my case, but still I’m glad to experience this festive day outside my house. I woke up really early to avoid traffic jams and put my google maps-like instinct to the test, going through small hidden streets.

Other colleagues had it rougher, having just arrived after spending hours stuck in traffic, hoping that next time there’s a big event, we ALL get the chance to work from home.

So I was wondering:

In what way can you help reduce
your team’s working stress?

After almost 12 years of joy and company, in the last five months I’ve lost my two dear pets. Yesterday I lost my baby McKenna and while I still can’t wrap my head around why this happened, I’m trying to focusing in the best she gave me.

What extraordinary memories with your pet are you grateful for?

I am grateful for your answers and every comment you share in the space below.