After living through COVID lockdowns and the political fighting of 2020-2021, I felt discouraged about the state of society in general. The world felt burdened by too much hatred, division, and self-doubt. My heart was heavy and I knew I had to do something about it.
I had been getting an idea during my runs that I should do something to lift up all of the people that drove past me. I could see the pain, stress and weariness on their faces but up until that point, I hadn't had the guts to do it.
Finally, one day I went out for a run and the inspiration hit hard, in a way that I had never felt before and I decided then and there that I was finally going to listen and do it. I made a sign out of posterboard that read, "I BELIEVE IN YOU" in big bold letters and I planned to run the very next morning.
When I left the house with the sign I felt so much dread and doubt but I didn't let it deter me this time. I started my run and as I passed the very first car I saw I lifted it high above my head. The reaction was pure joy; honking, waving and cheering and I haven't stopped since.
Over the last few years I've received hundreds of stories from people that have seen me running with my sign and how their lives have changed for the better. The community has rallied around me and many have been inspired to do similar things and the ripple effect has traveled far. Lives have been saved, relationships have been mended and the resolve to persevere has been rekindled countless times.
I've learned that the need for encouragement and motivation never runs out. Every day, in every city, every single person needs to know that there are people close by that believe in them. Because of this, I will never stop what I do.
I had been getting an idea during my runs that I should do something to lift up all of the people that drove past me. I could see the pain, stress and weariness on their faces but up until that point, I hadn't had the guts to do it.
Finally, one day I went out for a run and the inspiration hit hard, in a way that I had never felt before and I decided then and there that I was finally going to listen and do it. I made a sign out of posterboard that read, "I BELIEVE IN YOU" in big bold letters and I planned to run the very next morning.
When I left the house with the sign I felt so much dread and doubt but I didn't let it deter me this time. I started my run and as I passed the very first car I saw I lifted it high above my head. The reaction was pure joy; honking, waving and cheering and I haven't stopped since.
Over the last few years I've received hundreds of stories from people that have seen me running with my sign and how their lives have changed for the better. The community has rallied around me and many have been inspired to do similar things and the ripple effect has traveled far. Lives have been saved, relationships have been mended and the resolve to persevere has been rekindled countless times.
I've learned that the need for encouragement and motivation never runs out. Every day, in every city, every single person needs to know that there are people close by that believe in them. Because of this, I will never stop what I do.