Who's sitting in your balcony?

My friend, Janet, took this video when she visited in February. We happened upon this push-up contest...that, quite frankly, I had no desire to be a part of. Janet told me I should enter and before I knew it, I was on the stage! Yikes! Janet has always had more faith in me than I deserve (thank you for that!!!) and this was one of those occasions that her belief in me kept me going to the end. Sometimes the encouragement from someone you love can motivate you to the next level. Listen to the people that care about you most...they see the good things in you.

Have you heard of the book "Balcony People" by Joyce Landorf Heatherley? The book describes the people that sit in YOUR balcony and cheer you on. The one's that only want success for you. The one's that see you for who you are and the potential you have. Janet sits in my balcony. I can always count on her fanfare.

We all need balcony people. Trusting someone else with your goals in life, with your desires and also your downfalls can propel you to the next level. We learn so much from each other when we share our true selves. We allow others to walk up and sit in our balcony, cheer for our successes...and cheer us through learning experiences. Always in an uplifting and caring way.

Sometimes someone can sit in your balcony only for a moment in time. I think of some of my balcony people being folks I hardly knew at all. A co-worker that helped me roll silverware at The Olive Garden so I could finish my shift and make my plans for the night. A person at the gym that told me they were encouraged by my hard work. A stranger that complimented an outfit I had on. Each of these things were simple acts, and yet are things I remember to this day.

Sometimes someone sits in your balcony for a season...or a lifetime. I think of my parents. Who were the biggest supporters through childhood years and continue to cheer on accomplishments through adulthood.

I am thankful and grateful for all of my balcony people. Thank you, Janet, for cheering me on - always.

Find one of your 'balcony people' today and tell them how much you appreciate their support...and then climb into their balcony and give them a rip-roaring, shout-out round of applause. Wave their flag high in the air and celebrate who they are.