I must just share an observation that really impacted in me.
I was helping out at the Tour De Vale, an annual charity event which attracts hundreds of cyclists every year and raises thousands on pounds for ‘Wheel Power’, based at Stoke Mandeville and supporting wheelchair athletes.
It was a stunning day and we had a record turnout of over 1800 riders – some serious cyclist riding the 55 mile route and many family groups going for the 15 miles.
Delightful people sharing a common aim of getting together to share a challenge and support their local community – there was a real buzz in the air.
After to initial manic registration period, there was a short lull in proceedings before the 1st keen riders returned.
I was on the welcoming committee, standing at the entrance, watching people riding slowly back obviously relieved that they had gone the distance and got back in one piece!
The legs were heavy, the heads were down and many were obviously really feeling the fatigue.
They were limping home!
As soon as we caught sight of them we started to cheer and ‘whoop’ and clap and shout ‘well done’
The effect was incredible!
The heads came up, they started to smile and suddenly they found the energy to go for the sprint finish!
We especially encouraged the little ones and they were remarkable. They went from ‘flaked out’ to ‘fired up’ and their little legs were going nineteen to the dozen – they were so delighted to be cheered home!!
Many of the riders thanked us afterwards and said how much that encouragement had helped them to finish with a flourish.
We all need a little encouragement to reach our goals and to keep following our dreams.
We are often so ‘British’ we hold ourselves back from cheering when our colleagues, friends or family have done a great job, achieved a goal or are making progress towards their dreams.
We forget to thank someone who has impacted on us in even some small way.
We take others for granted and forget to say ‘thank you’ when they have gone above and beyond the call of duty.
A little encouragement goes a very long way and can mean the difference between a slow limp home and a sprint finish.
Who could you appreciate and encourage today? Go on, make their day! In so doing, you will also make yours!
“Appreciative words are the most powerful force for good on earth.” Dr. George W. Crane