From Donna’s Desk
The Zen garden is officially in use.
That’s the sentence I’m supposed to write.
The truth? Riley used it as a cat box and it had to be removed. Carefully.
Finley gave it an earnest try. He raked. He reflected. He asked, “Am I zen yet?” like he really wanted to know.
Riley watched from a distance. Waited.
Then climbed in, stared directly at no one… and settled in like a living incense stick.
I don’t know if that’s mindfulness or mutiny, but it’s been… received.
This is what happens when you try to create calm in a workplace that runs on caffeine, unresolved tension, and conflicting directives.
So let’s talk:
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What’s the most unexpected way someone’s misused a wellness initiative at your workplace?
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Have you ever tried to introduce something peaceful, only to watch it be immediately redefined by someone with strong energy and zero boundaries?
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And how do you recover from that moment when you realize the thing meant to symbolize serenity now smells like metaphors you cannot un-smell?
Drop a comment. Share your chaos.
Or just tell me: was I wrong to try? Or just wrong to leave the box unattended?
I’ll be here. Reconsidering sandy beaches as vacation goals.
—Donna
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The Donna Lake Comic Strip follows a quietly fierce department head trying to lead with dignity, despite corporate curveballs, chaos-prone staff, and a workplace that keeps getting weirder.
It’s a sharp, heartfelt office comedy with a surreal streak and a deep respect for the ones who hold it all together.