Midlife Creative

When was the last time someone told you that your work mattered and you were making a difference? How did those words feel?

My business coach, Amy Elmore, sent me a voicemail this week that was so genuine and encouraging that I listened to it multiple times with a huge grin on my face. She gave specific examples of ways she had seen me grow in the 8 sessions we had together. The message she sent was transformative. It all of a sudden dawned on me how starved I had been for spoken words of encouragement like Amy had given me. I played the message for my kids and my husband. I said, “Listen to this!” like a proud youngster bringing home their first perfect spelling test.

As a softer spoken person, I don’t go out of my way to start conversations with a strangers very often. Sometimes I hesitate to share kind words or specific positive feedback because it takes courage and sometimes I just don’t feel all that courageous. There is always someone who is walking a similar path to me, but hasn’t come quite as far yet. I understand more than anyone what that person is going through. This is true for all of us.
These kindred spirits need to know that they have what it takes. You can cheer them on as they make their way over the bumps and through the dark tunnels of life.

In St Paul, we are living on the route of the Twin Cities marathon. This means that when we can wake up on October 1st, and walk outside, we will see marathon runners and hear the sound of live music, cow bells, and groups cheering fans. Watching a race of this magnitude is a powerful experience. Can you imagine running 26 miles? I can hardly run one mile, let alone 26. I’ve been watching the TC marathon for the last several years, and every single time I get tears in my eyes. It is such an emotional experience to see these runners accomplishing their dream of finishing the race they have worked so hard to run. This year I get to cheer on my dear friend Brooke who is running her first marathon.

We have the opportunity every single day to cheer on our loved ones, neighbors, and co-workers. We have the opportunity to help them see in themselves what we have seen in them all along. Instead of keeping your thoughts to yourself, why not share them? Tell your loved one or co-worker or neighbor the good things you see in them and how proud of them you are. You just never know where those words will land and the impact they might make. Your words really do matter.