April 29 - Pool Pep Talk

Day 119 of a year of Kindness

I gave a pep talk to someone at a university pool today. I went to swim some laps and realized I had to share a lane. The only lanes available were with guys training for the Ironman, which immediately made me feel self-conscious. I mean, I don’t even wear goggles when I swim.Finally, I asked one of the swimmers if I could share his lane and he agreed. Later, I asked him about his Ironman experience. He shared that he completed the bike and swim, but his back went out during the run and it was really disappointing. I told him about Jason Gunter, a Fort Myers attorney, who lost his right hand and lower left leg in an accident and has since completed multiple Ironman races. He appreciated hearing Jason’s story because he needed some inspiration after not doing as well as he had hoped. I wished him good luck and assured him he could do it.It reminded me that we can all lift each other up. It doesn’t matter if you’re fitter or faster - we're all swimming in the same pool.

Science of kindness: Research reveals that when we encourage others, we uplift their spirits and boost their confidence. Simultaneously, as we speak words of encouragement, our own mindset shifts towards positivity and optimism. Encouragement is a reciprocal process that benefits both the giver and the receiver. #kindness #kindnessiscontagious #kindnessisfree #bekind