ICONIC CHICA STORIES: LESLIE & JENNA

IN A WORLD WHERE THERE IS HATE, THERE IS ALSO LOVE. SO LOVE. LOVE MORE.

Image by: Abimael Linares

Jenna was excited to see her friend Leslie. It had been a few days of busy work, but their schedules finally synced. They went out to eat at a super chic restaurant they'd been wanting to try. After catching up on Leslie's life, it was Jenna's turn. Jenna wasn't much about bragging or yelling out her achievements, but this was Leslie, and she knew friends love to hear good news. At least, that's how Jenna feels about her friends and the people she loves dearly.
Jenna sums it up and tells Leslie about this new opportunity that was completely unexpected. Leslie reacts with little to no excitement. "Aw, that's great." Jenna doesn't realize the indifference in Leslie's voice. She's oblivious to her reaction.

Weeks later, Jenna has some girlfriends over for a fun night of baking and movies. Leslie is invited of course. One of the girls, who Leslie has gotten to know through these meet ups with Jenna, shares some really great news about her company. Jenna is thrilled along with the others and opens up a bottle of champagne. "Congrats! Another reason to celebrate you!" The girls agree and join in the excitement and celebrate. Leslie is thrilled with excitement and pride. She tells Jenna's friend, "I'm so proud of you. You work hard. You deserve this." It was at this moment that Jenna saw Leslie in a different way. The real way.

The next few days, she replayed moments between the two (Jenna and Leslie) where the focus was never on Jenna, but always on Leslie. The dates with friends seemed more convenient and self-serving to Leslie. Though, she never really paid attention. She overlooked all the signs. She saw the Leslie she wanted to see instead of the woman she really was. 

Jenna said nothing. She simply detached herself from Leslie and her world. She let her have what she had already taken. Jenna's world was now Leslie-less. But, Jenna took something very valuable with her thanks to Leslie. And that is the ability to see people for who they are when they tell you the first time, and the second time, and the third. 
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Most of us are familiar with the famous quote by Maya Angelou, "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time." Jenna knew this quote to be true, by experience. ​

Today Jenna has some really great friends who love her dearly and don't take her for granted.

Here's to living in a world where women support one another.
Let us leave envy and jealousy behind!
It does not serve anyone, but rather
​detaches us from goodness and a world of positivity and possibility. 
Let us love more! 

Share if you believe. Thank you for your support. We wish you kindness, love, and joy. 
#IconicChicaMag

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by Liz Diaz