I vividly remember standing alone on the pitching mound. I was eleven years old, new to pitching, and struggling. Struggling might be too generous. I simply could not throw strikes.
The reason this memory stands out more than two decades later is because of the verbal taunting I took that morning...from one of the members on my "team." Our first baseman was very hot and wanted to get into the dugout so that he could cool off. So after every ball I threw, I heard mumbling from him about how tired and hot he was. This eventually escalated to "COME ON," and then more choice comments about my inability to pitch. I remember thinking, "you think YOU are hot?" While this taunting didn't send me to Dr. Phil, it also wasn't very helpful or productive. I could have used a little encouragement.
Ironically, this kind of chatter is often tolerated in workplaces. Grumbling and complaining never leads to positive outcomes. And what is often needed, and what I needed that fateful morning on the baseball field, is for someone to say a kind word of encouragement.
Be that person today.
Pick someone and send some encouragement.
They will be grateful.
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