Pears & Mixed Greens Salad

"Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul." - Saint Augustine

How often do you think favoritism occurs in the workplace? And, as a follow-up question, if you were to notice it, would you speak up? We recently had a harassment training at work which also touched upon favoritism. Those two topics are seriously no joke, and if you or anyone you know is a victim of either of those two mentioned above, please don't be shy or scared to speak up about it. It'll be challenging, and hard to do, but it's more than necessary to have those problems squashed in the workplace, no matter what kind of workplace you're in. Unfortunately, I've seen both favoritism and harassment happen before, and I've seen many people stay quiet, and then eventually quit due to how unhappy they were. I bet you many companies have lost many great employees because of this problem, both when people speak up and when they don't. I know this post can seem preachy, but by no means am I trying to do this. I just want to raise awareness of this issue, mostly because of how personal of a topic it is to me and some people in my inner circle. Don't let anyone bully you in the workplace. If you're uncomfortable with anything, go to your supervisor, go to your HR department, and brings those issues to light! Don't let any kind of blatant preference or wrongdoing happen which can make your job seem like a burden. Don't let anything ruin your job or career. If you're happy doing what you do, stick up for that happiness. You never know; maybe there are others in the workplace that are feeling the same way or going through your same plight that are too scared to speak up for themselves and need some encouragement. Take a breath, sip some wine, maybe eat some of this posted yummy salad, and think about what your next step should be, and don't be scared. You'll make it through this, trust me. Conquer your fear and you'll feel like a weight is lifted off your shoulders; it felt like that for me.

Pears & Mixed Greens Salad
adapted from: Comida y Familia Otoño 2009 by Kraft Foods

*makes: 8 servings*

"The season's fruits and vegetables are now at their prime. Add freshness to your table with this salad."

Ingredients:
1/3 cup pecan halves
1/2 tsp cinnamon sugar
5 oz organic Italian blend greens
1 large D'anjou pear, thinly sliced
1/2 cup 2% milk finely shredded reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup lite Zesty Italian dressing

Directions:
1) Combine the pecans and cinnamon sugar in a microwave-safe dish sprayed with cooking spray; spread them evenly in the bottom of the dish. Microwave on HIGH 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until toasted, stirring every 30 seconds.
2) Mix the greens with the pear, cheese and cranberries in a large bowl.
3) Add the pecans and dressing; mix lightly. Serve immediately.