Words of Encouragement

I went on a five-mile run this morning. I discovered that I was running on the same course that was having a mini-triathlon. Bicyclists started to pass me – both ways (it must have been an out-and-back course) – and I found myself cheering them on. “Go!”  “You got this!”  It didn’t matter that I didn’t know any of them. What mattered was a half second human interaction that was meant to uplift someone who might need it.

I remember being amazed last April when I ran a half-marathon at Walt Disney World with the number of people out on the course cheering strangers on at a time in the morning when most human beings are sleeping; cowbells, clapping, cheering – it helped pass the miles. 

Words and tokens of encouragement matter.

As an Army officer, I have received notes of congratulations for promotions and command assignments from General Officers. I have sent those notes myself now that I am at a rank and position where informal praise matters. It is not just a formality or good leadership in action – it is the all-important human dimension of what we do. 

I think the world is better place when we take the time to uplift one another.  It is a part of this family that says more than, "I love you". I am so proud of Samantha for her second semester of a 4.0 GPA. I am amazed by my wife who carries so much on her shoulders while I am away. I remind TJ that watching him run is one of greatest joys in my life.  Then there is Grant who is a math wizard and gets great Report Cards, even in Kindergarten. And of course, Betty, a grandmother-extraordinaire. A well-placed kudo here and there is important.

Whether it is going off the zipline, earning your black swim band, learning how to use sharp tools, or admiring someone’s photography skills – everyone likes a little pep talk or good word. The Brown Family are not the only ones who do this. 

I see this in other people who I respect and care about;  Mel Graf, John DiDonna, and Brittany Haran never hesitate to post words of encouragement, support, thanks or congratulations. It's a sign of class and humanity that we could use more of these days.  

The best part is that encouragement is mutually rewarding. Seeing someone’s reaction when you notice their weight loss, respond to their new job, or life milestone makes the sender feel good too.

Pass it on. We (I) don't do it often enough.