Tag: family

A Love Letter to All My Co-Workers (Past and Present)

Mikayla Olivia Orrson

There’s something magic and tragic about coworkers. You spend 40 hours a week with them. You form these intense bonds. And then life steps in and before you know it, you’re practically strangers again.

It’s the most pure relationship out there because (for the most part) the reason your friendship ends isn’t because of anything malicious, it’s just life. It’s like the most mutual breakup.

Co-workers see you through your day to day life. They listen to you complain about your dating life, or when you tell funny stories about what your cat did that morning.

They take you out for drinks to commiserate and celebrate.

They make your annoying work life, bearable (and fun sometimes.) We all have that work friend (or friends) that we get excited to see on the schedule.

Moral of the story: Here’s to work friends! Here’s to the laughs, tears, drama, drinks, and love! I love you all from past to present. If you’re an old coworker of mine, feel free to hit me up, let’s grab a beer and reconnect. If you’re not a former coworker of mine, I suggest you reach out to your old work friends. Make the connection, it’s worth it.

-Mikayla Olivia Orrson

No Filter on Me: A Raw Look at Anxiety and Stress

Mikayla Olivia Orrson
After Stress (Left) Before Stress (Right)

Fact: there’s no filter on either photo. Yes, one has better lighting and camera quality but no edits. And yes, one has make up and one doesn’t. But, let me just say, no amount of make up could help. And besides, when under extreme stress it’s hard to bring yourself to do make up.

Let’s talk about stress and how it effects, not only the way we live but the way we are. These photos were taken a month and 13 days apart. And boy, do I look different! These we’re taken at a time not too long ago that I felt like my whole life was crumbling; between losing my job, an injured pet, and countless other problems. I felt like I was losing my sanity. I couldn’t eat, I was oversleeping, I couldn’t emotionally connect with my friends. I felt so incredibly lost.

I wish I could say, “And here’s how I fixed it all! In three easy steps!” But, that’s not the case. I don’t have the answers to solving anxiety, stress, or depression. I really wish I did.

The reason I’m telling you all of this is because I don’t want you to feel alone. I can’t solve your problems but I can hold your hand through it. You’re not alone. I think it’s important to show raw anxiety. So much of our personas are made online, we only show what we want to show. All of a sudden, everyone seems happy and perfect but that means we’re missing out on the real conversations.

I hope this helps you feel more confident on your down days, because they happen and that’s okay. You’ve got support.

Life can be cruel, heartless, and cold. But, it can also be exhilarating, fantastical, and fulfilling. Don’t give up, because you’ve got someone in your corner (me, I’m in your corner).

Moral of the story: You’re not alone. I’m here. Let’s get a coffee or cry into pasta, as long as we do it together.

-Mikayla Olivia Orrson