-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 
Leave a comment