Despite all of the above complaints and issues, today I woke up or developed a new outlook on life. I can only change myself. I can only control myself. Therefore, I am going to make some modifications with how I communicate at work - I am going to try a new avenue - rather than continuing to push and push my ideas forward, I will validate others' perspectives and will offer alternative viewpoints when making my point or trying to push my idea forward. I want to come across as collaborative and working with management vs against management. I cannot control anyone's decisions, but I can perhaps have some influence.

I also know how lucky I truly am - many are in worse positions than me this holiday season. I have a job, I have a good income, I have my own home, and I have good friends and family that love me. My former VP at another company is currently unemployed, so I know things could be far worse. And on top of that, I am not being abused and I am not in a dysfunctional relationship like I have been for many years of my life. So that's a huge positive, despite the downside of feeling alone and lonely during the holidays.

So I have much to be thankful for, and I realize this. I will problem solve the problems at work, and I will work to improve the way I communicate. I will work on changing my attitude and approach, and that's all I can do.