"You got this!"
"Get your butt moving."
"Pick up the bar."
"Stop making excuses, and do it."
I learned four things today as I was thinking about how people's cheering hearts encouraged me today:
1. People want others to succeed!
Many times we hear of people tearing others down or being jealous of others accomplishments. But I think deep down we really want our people to do well, to be the best they can be. Why do you think we always cheer for the underdog or those that struggle? Once we cut through all the junk and insecurity in our hearts, we genuinely want to see others accomplish something. I think it's because when we see someone else do something hard, we in turn know that we can do whatever it is we need to push through and do. Life, relationships, stress, goals, etc... People inspire others. PERIOD.
2. Words matter
This I hear all the time, but when a word or phrase sinks into my core, whether it be negative or positive and I find myself replaying that thought all day long, that is when I know words really matter. We get to speak life or speak death to people each day. I don't always choose words of life. Sometimes cranky words can spew out of me on a; hot summer-been with my kids all day-with no naps-and a destroyed house kind of day! This is why I constantly need to remember to pray and ask God to put his words in my mouth, because mine arn't always what I want myself and others to hear. When someone gives you the gift of a kind, uplifting word, it does your heart wonders. I have reread messages today of kindness, because it makes my heart do something. It makes me want to make others feel the way I feel. It's contagious.
3. Everyone needs a cheerleader
EVERYBODY. The guy or gal who seems to have all their crap together. First of all those peeps DON'T, and even if they are cheering others on all day, they need someone at the end of the day, to say, "you matter too." Leaders need those words, even if they don't seem like they do!
I am sure you all know people who are going through some horrible, terrible, painful times. And they need someone to say, "You can do this, you will make it." "I am here." They need you to put your pom poms on and cheer and encourage them like your life depends on it, because sometimes theirs may.
4. Emotions don't have to rule us:
Yes I was tired, and haven't slept well in two days, and I had all the excuses to give myself permission to chalk this day up as a bust. It's not just about me working out, that is small potatoes, but what that represents is my attitude the rest of the day. Had I let my "no motivation, excuses, attitude" dictate my actions, my whole day would have been sucky. But instead I chose to SMILE, think of all the people who just said, they believed in me for something as trivial as workout, and pick up the bar. I just heard a podcast yesterday of just how smiling can change everything. So you better believe there was a fake smile on my face when I was lifting that heavy bar! Fake it until you make it.
I love being reminded that humanity is good, decent, and cares about each other. I love being reminded by a friend today that it isn't even about me at all, but it's about pushing for someone else, "When you feel weak when you feel negative or tired don't do it for you do it for them." ...smiling today as you all pushed me to be better.