Being the encourager and being encouraged

Today, I was able to experience both being the encourager and being encouraged.  It was a blessing for sure!

I have mentioned in a few blog posts that my college roommate, Charity, and I have been getting together and walking on Sunday afternoons.  The time that we have together during those walks is wonderful and allows us to catch up on what is going on with each other.  While we have always enjoyed our time together, being together while doing something that is so good for our bodies is even better.

Charity and I had plans to meet today after work to walk.  The weather in North Carolina was forecasted to be gorgeous this week and with it staying light out longer, we thought it was a great idea.  Before I left for work this morning, Charity messaged me and said that she wanted to do some intervals while we were on the trail and finish with a walk.  I was all about it. 

When we started, Charity seemed a little nervous.  It didn't take much to get her going and reassuring her that we were gonna do it together - fast or slow, extra walks, etc.  I know that Charity has goals related to running and I want to do anything I can to help her succeed. 

Why do I want to do this?  Because others did it for me.  If it wasn't for the NCRC gals, Sarah, my husband, Erin, Charity, family, friends, and colleagues encouraging me, I probably wouldn't be signed up for a half marathon on May 14th (eeek!!) - less than a year after my butt went out on a greenway for the first time. 



Charity (right) and me after our run/walk (1 - Aren't our
matching Sweaty Bands cute?  2 - Ignore the quality
of the pic, it was taken with my cell phone)

Going out for a run with Charity was so extremely encouraging to me.  Being out there showed me just how far I have come, but how much further I have to go to reach my goals.  Being able to cheer on someone else during the times when they feel like they may want to give up will do amazing things for a person!  It just warms you right to the core! 

We all have goals.  Those desires to achieve can be centered on anything - running, weight, job, learning a language, picking up a new hobby a goal for almost anything - but sometimes we need a little help getting there.  If we all serve as encouragers of one another, we will reap more benefits than can ever be explained. 


Go out and encourage someone - you'll feel great!

You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits.  When we all help one another, everybody wins.  (Jim Stovall)

There is nothing better than the encouragement of a good friend. (Katharine Butler Hathaway)