An M&M tale

My friend Suzanne Lucas (aka the Evil HR Lady, and who is hilarious) told me this story: 

"In fourth grade, a classmate's mom came in with brownies to celebrate the child's birthday. There were two covered pans of brownies.

Now, there is pretty much nothing I won't do for a brownie. Brownies are amazing. I love brownies with my whole soul. 4th grade Suzanne was no different.

But then the mom took the tinfoil off the brownie pan to display coconut frosted brownies. What type of evil person would allow brownies to be tainted by coconut? Who would possibly want that stringy nastiness contaminating perfection? "Who wants a brownie with coconut?" the mom asked.

I reluctantly raised my hand. Coconut was gross, but it was just the frosting and I could take it off and eat what was left of the brownie. It was not the best solution but I believed my choices were between a coconut brownie and no brownie.

The mom handed out coconut brownies to the children with their hands raised, including me. Then she took the tinfoil off the other pan, "Who wants M&M brownies?" My heart sank. I could have had brownies with M&Ms. While fourth-grade Suzanne did not have the obsession with M&Ms that adult Suzanne has, I would have been much happier with those.

But I also had massive anxiety. I couldn't possibly raise my hand and say, "Oh, I didn't realize M&M brownies were available. Can I switch out my nasty coconut brownie for something better?"

No, I sat there miserably, picking the coconut off my brownie.

Ladies and gentlemen, I tell you this because M&M brownies await you in your life. Do not settle for coconut brownies. Better things are coming. Don't give up what you want--what you deserve--because there is something in front of you now that appears to be better than nothing.

You are worth an M&M brownie. Don't settle."