🌿Peace Is Priceless🌿

There comes a time in life when you stop chasing approval, validation, or the illusion of comfort—and you start chasing peace.

I learned that the hard way.

Growing up in Jamaica, I had what many would consider “the basics”—a roof over my head, food to eat, books to study, a way to get to school. And yes, I’m grateful for that. But material provision doesn’t replace emotional support. It doesn’t hold your hand when you’re crying alone in your room. It doesn’t validate your feelings when the world keeps telling you to hush and grow up. It doesn’t heal the wounds of silence, of being misunderstood, of feeling invisible in the one place that was supposed to feel like home. I was constantly depressed as a child, though nobody would’ve known. I was too afraid to speak. Too afraid that my voice would be dismissed—or worse, belittled. I was told to be quiet, to behave, to mature faster than I should’ve had to, because no one was there for me emotionally. I learned early on how to carry pain in silence.

I was smart. I got good grades. But even that was met with, “You could’ve done better.” Never a “well done.” Never a “I’m proud of you.” Just the pressure to always be more.  And then there was the passive-aggressiveness. The kind you feel in your bones before you understand the words behind it. The subtle jabs, the disapproving stares, the cold distance that makes you question what you did to deserve it—especially when they act like it’s all in your head. But it wasn’t.

So when I became an adult, I made a choice: I will no longer exist in spaces where I am only tolerated. I stepped away from the house I grew up in—not because I was ungrateful, but because I could no longer sacrifice my peace to maintain an illusion of belonging.

Now, I pay rent. 

I buy groceries. 

I budget like crazy. 

Some months I don’t know how ends will meet—but somehow, they always do. 

I’m a single mother now (and thank God for good co-parenting), but it’s still a lot. 

The weight of adulting can feel like a mountain. But I’ll say this: I am finally free to breathe.

Yes, I traded comfort for chaos. But I also traded oppression for peace of mind. And that trade was worth it.

Because peace is not just a luxury.  It is survival. It is waking up and not dreading the day.  It is making decisions from clarity, not fear.  It is hearing your own thoughts without the static of judgment or manipulation.

Some people will never understand why I chose distance. Why I chose quiet. Why I chose me. But the truth is simple:  

I CHOSE PEACE

AND PEACE, IS PRICELESS.

–Humanity ECW

The Resignation That Wasn’t Really a Choice

When the Words Are Never Said, But the Message Is Loud and Clear

I’ve never been forced out of a job. Not directly, anyway. But I’ve had close friends — people I deeply admire — who’ve lived through it. And their stories have stayed with me.

One, in particular, still lingers. She’s a teacher. A good one. The kind who shows up early, stays late, and never stops believing in the kids in her care. Teaching wasn’t just a job to her — it was a calling. And for a long time, it felt like she was in the right place, doing meaningful work with the support of her school behind her.

Then something shifted.

There was no dramatic fallout. No warning letter. No final meeting that spelled things out.

Instead, there was silence.

The principal, once warm and supportive, suddenly grew distant. Conversations became curt. Leadership meetings were held without her. She began to feel like a stranger in the building she used to call home.

She wasn’t told to resign — not in words. But the energy changed. The warmth left. The sense of belonging vanished. And she read it clearly: They don’t want me here anymore.

So she left. Not because she wanted to, not because she stopped caring, but because the message had been delivered — just without being spoken aloud.

The Power of Silence

There’s a kind of resignation that doesn’t come from choice, but from quiet pressure. No one says, “You need to go.” Instead, the environment shifts. Support disappears. Doors close, slowly but surely, until staying starts to feel suffocating.

It’s a gentle push wrapped in plausible deniability. And it hurts, not just because of the outcome, but because it leaves you questioning everything.

Was it all in your head? Did you imagine the shift? Are you overreacting?

Let me tell you what I told my friends, you are not imagining it. When your gut says something’s changed, it probably has.

When You’re Forced to Choose What You Didn’t Want

From the outside, it looks like a clean break, a resignation.  But from the inside, it feels like heartbreak. 

There’s no closure. No real conversation. Just a quiet unraveling of everything you once felt secure in.

People may say things like:  “At least you left on your own terms.”  “That’s better than being fired.”

But when the “choice” was made under emotional pressure, without real support or transparency, was it truly your decision? For so many, the answer is no.

You’re In That Space Now

If you're sitting in that uncomfortable place, I want to offer this:

You are not too sensitive.  You are not overthinking.  

And walking away to protect your peace does not make you weak. It makes you WISE.

You deserve better than an unspoken exit. You deserve clarity, respect, and dignity. And if they can’t give you that; it says more about them than it ever will about you.

What Comes Next

My friend? She’s still healing. She’s still grieving. But she’s also finding her way back to herself, slowly, purposefully, with a little more strength than before. She knows now what to look out for. What she’ll never tolerate again. And most importantly, that her worth was never dependent on a room that stopped seeing her value.

If this story sounds familiar, if you’ve lived your own version of this, I hope you know you’re not alone. I hope you know that even if the exit was quiet, your experience is valid. And I hope you give yourself permission to let go of the shame and start writing the next chapter, one where you get to stay where you’re truly valued, or leave on YOUR terms.

Because your peace, is WORTH PROTECTING!

–Humanity ECW

We’re Doing Too Much for Too Little

When Employers Refuse to Raise Wages but Demand More

Have you ever sat at your desk, staring at the clock, wondering how you're still behind even though you've been working non-stop since morning? You’re juggling deadlines, responding to emails, answering calls, helping coworkers, and still being asked to “just do one more thing.” It’s exhausting. And worst of all, you’re not being paid a penny more for all of it.

That feeling? It’s not just burnout. It’s being overwhelmed, underappreciated, and underpaid.

And unfortunately, it's becoming far too common.

The Heavy Load Employees Carry

Many workers today are carrying workloads that were once shared by two or even three people. Maybe someone left and wasn’t replaced, or maybe the company grew but the team didn’t. Either way, tasks keep piling up. People are giving their best, going above and beyond, sacrificing family time, rest, and even mental health, just to meet expectations.

And when they ask for a raise, something fair and proportional—they’re told no. 💢

Not because they’re not performing. Not because the company is failing. But because “it’s just not in the budget” or “we’re hiring someone else to help.”

That stings. It tells employees their extra effort isn’t worth a few more dollars, but a new hire is.

Why Do Employers Choose to Hire Instead of Reward?

From a business perspective, some employers think hiring another person makes more sense than increasing wages. Here’s why:

1. They think it’s cheaper. Hiring someone at a base salary might seem like a smaller investment than giving raises across the board. Raises are long-term. New hires can be temporary or lower-level.

2. They worry about fairness spiraling out of control. If one employee gets a raise, will everyone demand one? That fear sometimes keeps managers from rewarding even the most deserving team members.

3. They’re focused on productivity numbers, not people. Some employers look at the work output and think, “Well, it’s getting done, so things are fine.” But they don’t always see the toll it's taking on their team’s well-being.

4. They don’t fully understand what employees are going through. Not out of malice; just distance. If a manager or business owner isn’t in the trenches day to day, they may not realize the emotional and physical cost of the current workload.

But here’s the truth: even if hiring new staff helps in the short term, it doesn’t fix the deeper issue.

The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Employee Needs

When employees are overworked and underpaid, here’s what happens:

• People quit. Turnover becomes a revolving door. And replacing experienced workers is expensive and time-consuming.

• Morale crashes. The team atmosphere suffers. Resentment grows. People stop caring about the company’s success.

• Productivity declines. Overworked people aren’t efficient, they’re exhausted. Mistakes increase, innovation disappears, and engagement drops.

• Loyalty erodes. Employees start looking elsewhere. Not because they don’t love their job—but because they need to survive.

😠A Real Story, Not Just Numbers😠

Let’s take Danielle, for example. She works in a small office where two coworkers recently left. Instead of hiring replacements, her boss asked her to take on their roles “temporarily.” That was six months ago.

She did the work. Stayed late. Skipped lunches. Never complained. She hoped her dedication would be recognized.

When she finally worked up the courage to ask for a raise, her boss said, “We’re actually looking to bring someone in to help you, but no raises right now.”

Danielle smiled and nodded, but inside, she was crushed. The message she heard wasn’t “We appreciate you.” It was, “You’re not worth more.”

Now she’s updating her resume.

So, What’s the Solution?

Employers aren’t villains. Most genuinely want to run good businesses and treat people well. But tight margins, fear of overpromising, or even just lack of awareness can lead them to make choices that hurt their teams.

The key is balance, finding ways to support both the employee and the bottom line.

Here are some business-wise, human-first solutions:

1. Don’t Wait Until They Ask, Proactively Review Pay and Performance - If someone’s taken on significantly more responsibility, talk about it. Acknowledge their efforts before they have to beg for a raise. If a full raise isn’t possible right away, consider phased increases or performance bonuses.
2. Make Raises Conditional, Not Impossible - Set clear goals. Let employees know what benchmarks they need to hit to earn more. That way, they’re not in the dark and can work toward something concrete.
3. Consider Non-Monetary Value - If the budget is genuinely tight, offer other meaningful perks: flexible hours, more vacation time, paid training, or opportunities for advancement. These benefits show appreciation and build loyalty.
4. Listen! Truly Listen to What Your Team Is Saying - Create space for honest feedback. If employees are saying they’re stretched too thin, believe them. Check in regularly, not just at performance reviews.
5. Prioritize People Over Optics - Sometimes companies want to show “growth” by expanding headcount. But if the team you already have is strong, the better investment might be in keeping them satisfied and motivated. Hiring doesn’t always mean progress, sometimes retention is the real win.

People Aren’t Machines!!!!

At the end of the day, employees aren’t just resources—they’re humans with limits, dreams, and bills to pay.

When someone gives you their time, their energy, their talent—that’s worth something. More than just a pat on the back or a free pizza lunch. It’s worth real, fair compensation.

If employers want loyalty, innovation, and long-term success, they must start seeing pay not just as a cost, but as an investment. When you treat people well, they give you their best.

💪💪And that? That’s how everyone wins.💪💪

–Humanity ECW

Rebuilding in a Changing World

🌱 Why I’m Back

    Somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn’t living—I was just existing. Waking up, scrolling, comparing, repeating. Every day started to feel like a blurred version of the last. And while the world outside was shifting in real time—politics, technology, climate, culture—I was stuck in a loop. Quietly drifting. Silently scrolling.

That’s when it hit me: something had to change.  And so, I’m here. I’ve decided 2025 will be different.

    This blog, Humanity ECW—Humanity: The Ever Changing World—isn’t just a space to write. It’s a space to grow, to process, to be present. It's me taking back control of how I engage with the world, and how I engage with myself.

🌍 What Sparked the Return?

It started with a simple but heavy feeling: I needed to do something consistent.  Not perfect.   Not performative. JUST MINE!

 

I recently deactivated my Facebook, Instagram, and even my personal TikTok page. Not out of spite or drama—but because I felt like I was slowly rotting away inside, watching other people’s lives while ignoring my own. I was stuck in a cycle of comparison. Every scroll chipped away at my sense of self. “Why am I not there yet?” “Why doesn’t my life look like that?” It wasn’t healthy.     Social media has its place. It can be beautiful, powerful, even revolutionary. But if we’re not careful, it can also warp the mind, distort our reality, and trick us into believing that everyone else has it figured out—except us.

I don’t want to live in that headspace anymore.  I want to recenter my life.  I want to focus on what’s real. What’s evolving. What’s human.

✍ What You’ll Find Here

    This blog is my response to that urge for change. I’ll be posting weekly—sometimes deep, sometimes random, always honest. Some posts might be poetic and introspective. Others might be quirky or spontaneous. But they’ll all be rooted in the same idea: that the world is always changing, and so are we.

I don’t have all the answers. I’m not here to preach. I’m just here to write, to reflect, and to hopefully connect with others who are also trying to find their footing in a fast-moving world.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by it all…  

If you’ve ever felt behind, lost, or unsure of your place in this world…  

You’re not alone.  

And maybe this space can be a little reminder of that.

So here’s to 2025. A fresh start. A REAL ONE!

–Humanity ECW

Language Transformation (Part 2)

Reflecting on language, dialects, and accents, I think it's fascinating how language shapes not only communication but also our social identities. In Jamaica, our language experience is unique due to our rich cultural history. Jamaican Patois, often considered a dialect, is widely spoken across the island, but it's still often seen as less prestigious than Standard English. This is particularly noticeable in formal settings, such as schools or government institutions, where Standard English is expected. In these spaces, the "correct" way of speaking is often aligned with British English, largely due to our colonial history.

However, in everyday life, Jamaican Patois is a powerful expression of identity, culture, and belonging. When we speak Patois, we are connecting to a shared heritage that transcends class and region. It’s a way of communicating that holds meaning and cultural significance beyond grammar or pronunciation. Despite its rich history, Patois still faces challenges when it comes to being accepted in formal settings. For instance, when I look at the way language is used in education, I see a clear divide: while students are taught British English in schools, Patois is often seen as a "lesser" form of communication. This creates tension between those who speak Standard English and those who speak Patois, as people from different backgrounds may be judged based on their choice of language.

In contrast, when I think about countries like the United States or the UK, language doesn’t always carry the same cultural weight. In the US, regional dialects like those spoken in the South or the Northeast are often celebrated for their uniqueness, and there's a broad acceptance of different accents. The same is true for accents in the UK—whether it's Scouse, Cockney, or Geordie, they all have a place within British culture. However, there are still instances where accents or dialects that are considered non-standard—such as working-class accents—can be viewed as less desirable in certain contexts.

In Jamaica, the debate between British English and American English is something I’ve encountered on a personal level. Growing up, we were taught British English in schools as part of our colonial inheritance. However, with the increasing influence of American culture through movies, television, and the internet, American English has slowly seeped into our everyday speech and writing. This has led to confusion over which spelling or terminology to use, especially since many Jamaicans naturally incorporate both British and American elements in our speech and writing. For example, in writing, we might flip between “colour” (British) and “color” (American) depending on the context or even the spell checker we use.

Interestingly, the influence of American culture is so strong that, when I interact with friends or peers from other Caribbean countries, I notice that many of them have adopted American spellings and vocabulary, even though they too were once taught British English in schools. This blending of British and American influences is part of a larger global trend, but it’s especially noticeable in small, post-colonial countries like Jamaica, where cultural shifts happen rapidly.

This experience makes me think about the role of technology and globalisation in shaping our language. While in Jamaica, we may switch between British and American spellings in our writing, when we communicate online, the lines between dialects and accents become even more blurred. The digital space offers a kind of neutral ground where language variations are more fluid. I often see people from different parts of the Caribbean and the world mixing elements of both British and American English, especially in informal communication. It’s almost as though the influence of the internet has levelled the playing field for English speakers everywhere, regardless of their regional or national variations.

But despite this blending, there are still deeper issues with how language and dialects are perceived. In Jamaica, Patois is often considered “improper” or “slang” when, in fact, it carries deep historical and cultural significance. It’s a living language, rich with expressions and meaning that often don’t translate into Standard English. Yet, in certain formal settings, it can feel like it’s being sidelined in favour of British English, which is seen as the “proper” language. This dynamic reflects a broader issue in many post-colonial countries, where there’s a tension between maintaining indigenous languages or dialects and conforming to the language norms of former colonial powers.

Ultimately, what I’ve learned from this is that language, whether British English, American English, or Jamaican Patois, is more than just a tool for communication. It’s a reflection of history, culture, and identity. For me, embracing the mix of British and American influences, while also recognising the value of Jamaican Patois, allows me to navigate multiple worlds while staying connected to my roots. The key is recognising that no dialect or accent is more valuable than another; they’re all part of a rich tapestry that defines who we are as individuals and as a society.