As a mother, and now a mother to my adult children, I often find our conversations culminating in a confidence- building affirmation session for them. I get to hear some of the “wins” in their day to day routine, but often they turn to me for a vote of confidence. And as a mother, I give them a big pat on the back and see them on their way. I hope they always know that I am one of the biggest cheerleaders along with their dad they will ever have in their lives.
And that thought brought me to looking at my life and taking a minute to reflect on who my biggest cheerleader was/is in my life. Absolutely, hands down it was my Dad. As I know not everyone has a stellar relationship with their dad (mine was far from perfect) BUT he really made me feel like I could do most anything. I found myself reaching back to times when I had gone to him for a vote of confidence, and he was there to give it. Often times it came with a BUNCH of free stuff….like his advice…..not always warranted but still absorbed none the less. I always felt he had my back. Mom was there, too, mostly echoing in consensus of Dad’s thoughts. After he was gone it was Mom giving the encouragement. Boy, how precious it was that advice at times when I needed it, not always when I wanted it but still, it was there.
When your parents pass on and they aren’t there for that phone call, visit, letter and such, there is a piece missing. Maybe not missing, just a different shape. The shape of it looks like me passing on the advice from my folks to them in a message my kids can understand. Life is a bit different for my children than it was from my parent’s children. Times have changed but the advice is still the same. My kid’s still need a pat on the back! An ‘atta girl/boy when they are facing giants in their lives. A shout from the rooftops that they have what it takes to do hard things! And a gentle reminder of past accomplishments for reinforcement! Always a big round of applause when a hurdle has been crossed!
Cheerleading for others is SOOOOO important! It is the fiber with which our confidence is built. Don’t be shy in building others up. The love we can give to others can make ALL the difference in someone’s confidence. It’s what we are called to do as “souls.” A pat on the back, a “good job” a quick note, a phone call asking “how things are going?”….engagement…..that’s where it’s at. Just about everyone has had SOMETHING confidence building said to them. Reach out, brighten someone’s day by letting them know how great they are. That’s what my Dad did. He was preparing ME to be able to do it for others. And now, in turn, I must do it for my children and others so they can do it for others and so on and so on…….
Here is to Dad’s being cheerleaders, on this week before Father’s Day, and mom’s who are mom’s and dad’s and all cheerleaders of others…….. we’ve got each other’s back! Let’s hear it!!