My dear friend and mentor Ann Cohen passed away this week after a long battle with cancer, which she fought with the same grace and humor she brought to every situation.
Ann wasn’t the first to say this, but she was definitely the first to get through to me. It’s something I apply to my writing and my work on a daily basis and has become a guiding principle for me both professionally and personally. Appropriately, Ann didn’t apply this sentiment only to her writing, which was stellar, but to her entire life, which was full of amazing humans (and animals!) who adored her.
As my last “real” boss, Ann encouraged my creativity and helped me believe that I could succeed at anything I set my mind to. And when Ann believed in you, it was hard to not feel destined for greatness!
When she and I eventually started our own businesses at the same time, we became virtual co-workers, calling each other for advice on potential clients or billing questions and helping one another navigate the thrilling yet often lonely life of a solopreneur. I could never fully get over the fact that Ann, my mentor and someone I admired so greatly, would be coming to *me* for advice, but in reality, she always gave more than she got.
If not for Ann’s support, friendship, and encouragement, I don’t know I would have been able to stick it out and grow my business. She gave me the strength I needed to persevere when things were hard and the champagne I needed to celebrate when things were good!
She was a true friend in every sense and one of the best I’ll ever know.
In her honor, please do me a favor and #ShowDontTell your mentor/friend/cheerleader what they mean to you today.
If you knew Ann and would like information on making a donation in her memory, please reach out for details: cody@lokitimestwo.com.