In a recent phone conversation with my good friend Wendy, we wound up talking about our work. In discussing one of my current projects, I mentioned that I thought I might be in over my head.
She replied, "Yes, but you wouldn’t be Hanna if you didn’t do that."
Oh. Huh.
Hey, she got my number here! When I’m really excited about something, I jump into the swimming pool with both feet – no treading water. It’s only later that I might consider whether or not I can actually touch the bottom or not. It always works out in the end, but there’s usually a brief period when I’m wondering if I’m going to sink or swim. So far, no drowning!
I’m not sure why her comment surprised me: we’ve known each other
for almost 25 years, and stay in touch through lengthy phone calls at
least monthly, visiting in person when finances and schedules allow,
even though we haven’t lived in the same city in over ten years.
This woman knows me, and it was easy for her to see something
in me that I easily forget: she saw my enthusiasm and ability to
quickly take on projects as essential part of who I am, and as an
asset.
Wendy is one of the touchstone people in my life: whenever we
connect, how we relate to each other reminds me what I’m really all
about, what’s most important to me, how I’m trying to make a
difference.
My friend Wendy has always been one of my biggest supporters, and
has believed in me even when I haven’t believed in myself. In fact,
she’s always contended that I’ll be her "famous" friend. While that’s
not even my goal in life, her confidence in me and my abilities lifts
me up, and I know I’m lucky to have her in my corner.
What do the people in your life know about you, for sure?
How do the people in your life help you make a difference?
Before specializing as a professional coach in 2004, I spent more than a decade in leadership, management and program development for state and local government and non-profit organizations. Now I get to help leaders and teams have more clarity and ability to stand up for what's important in their work and in their organizations. Working with me, leaders and teams find more meaning and purpose, feel happier and more confident, navigate change and conflict, and work together better.
Hi Hanna,
Oh, how I love this posting! It’s so true that when someone sees you for who you are, without judgment and with believing eyes, it can be so powerful. I took a workshop with Sonia Choquette a few years ago and she talked about being Believing Eyes for others. It has stuck with me.
I also like the point about how we forget our essence and others can bring us back to it with just a small comment. It must be human nature to forget who we are from time to time and to delight in having those who love us help us remember.
Aloha Hanna, like Carol, this post truly resonates with me. The people in our lives have an incredible amount of influence on us in their ability to boost our confidence and encourage us to be better than we are.
We also need to give as well as receive; and you are giving us pause to consider who may need us to be the Wendy in their lives right now. There are few greater gifts we can offer them.
Mahalo nui for a great reminder. A hui hou,
Rosa
Hi Carol and Rosa –
Thank you for your comments, and the reminder that we can also provide the Believing Eyes/”Wendy” role for others (she’ll be pleased to see this taking on a life of its own!).
Part of what I love about this blog format is that others always come up with other ways of looking at things that enriches and deepens whatever I’ve posted. Thank you, friends.
Hanna