Who likes the idea of a cheerleader for themselves?  Someone who cheers us on when we really aren’t “feeling it”?  Someone who would, at all costs, be there pulling us along and believing in us when we are not believing in ourselves.   Our own personal cheerleader that is only a phone call away, a room away, a hop skip and a jump away 🙂 but would be there in a split second just for us if we need them.   

Ok, we might not like the “cheerleader” cheer in our ear especially when we are feeling down and bad within ourselves and feeling like we are not accomplishing anything. But, minus the “cheer”, think about a person, a team player there for you in the manner you need them. 

It might be quiet that you need and them sitting with you, saying nothing.  It might be a touch you need and reassurance that they will not leave your side.  It might be you need them to try, in their way, to make you smile and see the brighter side because you just can’t at that moment.  Are you trying to accomplish a task in your life and just can’t seem to get over the hump of the task?  Maybe you need someone to work with you and accomplish it together.

Every relationship we have is different and every person might need different things and in different ways.  That’s what great about human nature diversity and something we can embrace about each other if we choose !  Communicate (there’s that word) as to what you need and vice versa.  The relationships we are in are present all over our life.  We are in relationships at home and work, all day long. We actually hold great power as to how we will treat these relationships and what we could accomplish together.

“How can I help you right now?”  “What can I do for you?”  “I’m not sure what you are going through but I want you to know I am here to listen if you want” and even “Let’s come up with a plan to accomplish this task” are just a few examples of communication with a spirit of togetherness.  It sends the message that the relationship is important and that you are willing to work as a team. 

Then listen.  Listen to their heart.  Listen to their ideas.  Love languages are different and we need to respect what each needs let alone accepting each other’s opinions.  That’s right.  I went there and I said it.  I know that is a tough one to do. 🙂  although like in all teams or even sports, every one brings something different to the table yet work as a team realizing their pros, cons, strength and weaknesses.  We can learn something from everyone.  That’s when there is a spirit of togetherness and power to accomplish things – like building a bridge :).

Take a moment, imagine yourself in a situation. Downtrodden, depressed, or maybe just unsure of yourself and need reassurance that SOMEONE has your back.  You might be stepping out in unknown territory, trying something new or can’t accomplish an ongoing task, struggling with personal issues, or want to just know that you are not alone and feeling like your best friend is right there with that familiarity and comfort or at the very least, a helping hand.

Teamwork is helpful anywhere and we all know, that when we have teamwork in the true sense of the word, things can go smoother, more things get done, progress happens quicker and the power of more than one not only creates but accomplishes great things.

Ok, here it is the call to action.  If anyone knows me, I believe love is an action word let alone respect, understanding, acceptance, patience and so much more.  They all need to be words of action that all can see within our lives.

Activity:  Ready to put it into practice?  Pick a person that you are in a relationship with at home, work, or one of your friends.  Write one simple goal down with that person.  Whatever you want it to be.  Make it lighthearted or make it a serious one.  Accomplish that goal together and be creative in doing so.  Let your creative side come through and be an encouragement for one another and watch how you will, together, succeed.   Give me feedback and success stories (I love success stories!) 🙂 

Remember, it’s what you put in that you will get out even with just this little activity.  I thought of a recipe and when we make a cake.  All of the ingredients have to be put in precisely right for the cake to come out the way we want it to and our relationships and teamwork is the same metaphorically.  If we put in all the right ingredients……..love, respect, acceptance, patience, kindness, teamwork, understanding, etc, we will produce many great relationships and accomplish many great tasks – even building a bridge 🙂

Happy Teaming!  🙂

Kelly Savage

PS:  this is an excerpt of a book that I am writing and so excited to share it with all of you.  I am a firm believer in teamwork and relationship building through the love of God within us.