-Alfred Hitchcock
My best friend gifted me with a pillow – THIS decorative pillow – at least 25 years ago. It’s the evidence – the proof – that age DOES bring wisdom, in the form of a slightly tattered poof of a pillow. Across the years I’ve come to realize how unique and golden it was to be besties with my closest work colleague, the one who became a life-long confidante, the one who understood me…the good, the bad and the ever-in-between. 😊
Our work lives were about as chaotic as our home lives and although we had, relatively speaking, youth on our side, there were high hurdles to clear and plenty of them. Having her by my side when I stumbled, ready to pick me up, kick my butt and cheer me on? You know…priceless.
Why? I’m the easily wounded one. Creative at my innermost core and compelled to share and do the ‘C’mon, gang, don’t you love it too?’ routine, I would dissolve if my latest brainstorm was laughed at or pooh-poohed instead of lauded.
Thanks to my friend’s insight and coaching, my skin grew thicker, and I learned to improve my pitch – to inspire and rally others to see things my way. Persuasive? Yes. Calculated? Yep. Manipulative? Geez, I tried not to be, but I suppose that happened, too, all for the greater good (or so says the bossy one!).
We were a good team. I hope I did as much for her as she did for me. What I know for sure? The pillow became a treasure – on display in every office I’ve occupied since. Right now? I’m looking at it – in my WFH office. Anytime I need a goose to keep moving, be creative, explore and don’t stop, the pillow speaks to me.
My best friend knew my passion could be construed as ‘bossy’ and her pillow-talk wisdom – to charge ahead anyway and have faith in my ‘better ideas’ is a message that sustains me.
Which reminds me of something comedian Amy Poehler said:
“It’s very hard to have ideas. It’s very hard to put yourself out there, it’s very hard to be vulnerable, but those people who do that are the dreamers, the thinkers and the creators. They are the magic people of the world.”
Cheers to best friends who see our flaws but love us anyway. They’re magic, too.
-Vicki ❤
Victoria Ponders... 
I love this! I had a friend like that.
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Oh! I’m so glad to hear that. So very special…glad we have that in common, Eileen! 😉
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A friend like that truly completes you! It reminds me of an old quote I once read from Albert Schweitzer “In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.”
Why did it remind me of it? Because I think you have found a wonderful friend who can always count on to be your re-“kindler”, of whatever “kindling” you may need. That’s AWESOME!
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Love that! What a great connection, Kendra. You have so much percolating in your brain. Even Albert Schweitzer! 😉 Yes to all that you shared…xo! ❤️
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Oh my goodness, EW! I knew this sweet comment was from you but I responded with Kendra’s name! So sorry. Thank you so much. 😉
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Friendship, creativity, vulnerability – a post that takes on such core topics of our human experience. Yay for your friend for seeing you (and I’m sure you returned the favor many times). I’m so glad you share your “better ideas” here!
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Aww…you say the NICEST things. Thanks, dear Wynne. xo to you and the kiddos! ❤
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As someone who works hard to control her inner bossiness (but doesn’t always succeed), I love this! Also, I agree – those special work friends that just “get you” are a treasure indeed. And… I love that you found a way, with your friend’s help, to “market” your ideas. Sometimes you have to be a little creative for people to see what’s in it for them. 😁🤍
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Thanks so much, Kendra. Love your perspective about helping folks see things in a positive light. And I can’t ever imagine you as bossy, btw! 😉
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