How do you feel about Friday the 13th? For me, it's been a tricky day ever since I was little. One Friday the 13th, my mom chaperoned a field trip for my sister’s class, and I got to tag along! My sister’s about a year and a half older than me, and I looked up to her so much—so, naturally, I was thrilled to be included. My mom even made me a brand-new dress for the occasion. It was the prettiest ocean-blue fabric with little white flowers on it, and I felt so grown-up riding the bus with my sister and her friends.
Everything was going perfectly—until lunch. I was sitting there, soaking in all the excitement, when I suddenly felt something cold on my chair. My chocolate milk had spilled all over my dress and chair. I looked like I had a giant, wet, brown stain on my butt, and I was completely mortified! I don’t even remember how I made it through the rest of the day, but I do know I never wore that dress again—between the milk stain and the “curse” of Friday the 13th, it was doomed.
Ever since that day, I’ve been a little cautious when Friday the 13th rolls around, and last week was no exception. As a recruiter, I’ve been working for months on a really tough search for a specific role. We thought we found the “perfect” candidate at some point, but at the last minute, the candidate took another offer. Then, on Friday, I got a call from the HR Director with some unexpected news. They had offered the role to a candidate who had backed out earlier in the year because of personal reasons. So, after all that work, the job was filled in the blink of an eye. I was crushed and called my boss to let her know.
Here is where it gets magical: My boss, who started the company a couple of years ago, has been an incredible mentor and partner. I joined her just over a year ago, and we’ve been through the ups and downs together. I didn’t want to interrupt her day off, but I knew she needed to know.
When I gave her the news, she was, of course, disappointed, but she said something that really stuck with me. She told me, “One of the reasons I wanted to work with you is so we never have to go through things like this alone. I’ve been there, and we’ll get through it together, so always call me, good news or bad.” It hit me how lucky I am to work in a place where I feel seen, supported, and part of a real team.
We don’t have to do life alone. The magic is in the connections we make—holding hands and lifting each other up when we need it.
So, wherever you are, I hope you feel the magic of connection today. You’re never alone. Ever.
Wishing you health, wealth & most of all... happiness!
Love,
