Cookie

My friend and I worked together for over a decade when she left the company for a great new opportunity. I was bummed to hear she was leaving and sent her a note to let her know I’d miss her. She sent back a funny memory.

When she first started with the company, she needed information from me. We met and discussed it. Then, we traded emails with several follow-up questions. On her third question, rather than helping, I replied with a picture of Laura Numeroff’s If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.

If you are unfamiliar with the book, it is about a mouse who wants a cookie. Once the mouse gets the cookie, the list of requests comes pouring in.

I don’t remember sending the email, but I have no doubt that I did. It is so completely on-brand. I am grateful she took it for the fun it was. While it was a small moment, it left a lasting impression. I am grateful the imprint was a fond one.

Occasionally, I get too serious or at least take things too seriously. The work takes over, and the human elements fade. Life isn’t a project. Life is a series of personal interactions. Each of these small moments shapes who we are and who we become. Having fun doesn’t take away from my work; it makes it better.

Can I give myself permission to have fun? Do I give you room to have fun? What small moment of fun might be remembered for a long time?

Be curious, be kind, be whole, do good things.