A good friend helped me become more self aware. It turns out that sometimes I put a sunny spin on things in a way that elbows out reality. She has listened to me do this for a long time, but what could she do? 

Short of crossing her arms like a referee, she had few options. Gently, oh so gently, she held up a mirror. A small one. 

I have been working on this. Habits that have a deep groove can be hard to reroute, so there have been slip ups. Sometimes all it takes is a raised eyebrow for me to notice the metaphorical spinach in my teeth. Then I rephrase my question, without the sugar.

It is a blessing to have friends like this. People who love you, and also reach a saturation point for being bumped. What seems pivotal, though, is that she is helping me get closer to what I am choosing for myself. In no way is she plunking an expectation for change in my lap. 

Which is a whole different animal than what my father affectionately called the wolf in sheep's clothing. 

"I have a great idea. Why don't you...?"