HEALTHYLIVING: March is National Cheerleading Month.

Yes, there really is such a thing.

And while there’s just a tiny portion of the population that this specifically addresses – those super athletic, spry, and spirited young people ready to spring into action in the shape of a pyramid or a series of cartwheels down the football field, there just might be something relevant and inspiring for the rest of us side-line sitters to celebrate, too!

First, what is cheerleading? One web definition (thank you Wikipedia) is “an activity wherein the participants cheer for their team as a form of encouragement.”

How about the kind of cheerleading we do to build morale in our relationships? The family? The workplace? The neighborhood? And our communities? We might not be doing actual handstand flips down the 50-yard line, but proverbially speaking, flag flying and cartwheeling is part of the enthusiastic support we give our friends, family, co-workers and leaders to help motivate, inspire and lead into action. Of course, there are much more subtle tactics, too. But all styles can be equally effective in inspiring others and cheering them on to giving their personal best.

Every day, we’re given opportunities to cheerlead others. To boost morale. To advocate. To give a voice to the voiceless. Maybe this month, we pay a little closer attention to the cheerleaders in our circles and give them an “atta girl” or a fist bump. Perhaps we might even look for ways we can be the more active cheerleaders, ourselves.

Lift Others With Inspiring Words And Deeds

This time of year, in the Midwest especially when sunlight is infrequent and the winter blues affect a lot of us, a “shout out” of encouragement that reaches the intended’s ears can go a long way in helping to build emotional strength and a more positive outlook. Know someone who has situational depression suffering from personal loss? Send them a word of encouragement – a text, an email – snail mail, too! Today, it’s easy to send an “I’m thinking of you” message. How about the stranger in the checkout line, a young mother managing the grocery cart, her wallet, and three littles under the age of five? Cheer her on to the next thing on her list with a supportive smile and “you’re doing a great job!” And how about the person at the gas station who asks us for extra change or a cigarette? How can we lift him with a caring word? Or a caring smile? Cheer him on to the next thing. Follow up with an act of kindness.

Raise A Spirit Flag For Your Favorite Cause And Give

When we align our values with initiatives for good, we can accomplish great things. Having causes we believe in and ultimately support has exponential positive impact that can help individuals, groups, communities small and large. The first step can be to share the good news about a program or organization that we know to make a difference by our own experiences or others’. When we take up the flag for a community initiative, we are rallying for change, and communicating to our friends and neighbors that we are behind efforts that are making a positive impact. Be able to speak with conviction for your favorite cause(s). Follow up with your time and treasure.

Do A Cartwheel And Repeat

Okay – maybe that’s a little over-the top. But the point here is that acts of encouragement to those around us and taking up causes we believe in are the cheerleading opportunities in the arena of life. When we speak words of encouragement, or support that favorite cause, don’t stop there. Do it again. And Again. And again.

So, get your pom-poms out– figuratively speaking, of course. Let’s make some noise and do good wherever we can.

Vicky Kettner is the Association Director of Marketing, Community Relations, and Member Engagement for the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo.