Champions
Of the shopping list of topics I want to share in this blog, this week's topic was well down, and I was fully prepared for a completely different idea before a phone call on Tuesday.
The call from, let’s call him G. G is a friend I may see once or twice a year and occasionally speak to on the phone throughout the 12 months. G is someone I have always respected and enjoyed talking with, even though we rarely connect. The conversation usually revolves around what we’ve been up to and how our families are doing, usually ending with the obligatory “let's catch up soon,” which ends up being not so soon.
Once we’d gotten through the usual conversation, G mentioned how he enjoyed this short-lived blog and congratulated me for putting my thoughts out there. My intention when I decided to start was not to seek praise but to share my experiences and thoughts, which may resonate (or not) with people and, in turn, use to influence their own lives. That said I am grateful for all the feedback so far. Thank you to all and G for the call. Which brings me to being someone's champion.
The conversation with G reminded me of the importance and impact one person can have by being someone’s champion. With age, you tend to reflect on the key people who have significantly influenced your life, some positive and some negative. While thinking about these people, the recurring theme was that their time in my life varied widely from many years to a single conversation. They could have been a school teacher, friend’s dad, cousin, colleague, boss, grandparent, etc.
One of my most vivid. I must have been 10 or 11 at some family friend's house for dinner. From memory, there were 3 or 4 adult couples, including my parents and myself and younger sister. Naturally, my sister and I were less than thrilled about the experience and prepared ourselves for an underwhelming night. The evening played out as expected, with adults talking and us listening in until one of the men at the table started to chat with me. I don’t remember what we talked about, but it was the first time I could remember an adult genuinely engaged and interested in what I had to say. Despite the adult conversation, we continued chatting for about 30 minutes. Not long at all, but it had an impact.
To this day, it reminds me of the importance of showing genuine interest in what children have to say, and the level of engagement we have in that moment can impact them. It was such a small moment that has had a lasting impact. There are many others, but it taught me early on that showing genuine interest in someone can make them feel valued and heard, no matter their age, social status or background. Give without expectation of receiving anything.
The point…simply being someone’s champion can have an immeasurable influence on them and their belief in themselves. Be someone's champion. Make that compliment, show gratitude, and believe in them no matter what they set out to achieve. And, importantly, be there when shit gets real.
The impact you can have in one moment can last a lifetime, so make it positive.
G was my champion on Tuesday.
AV
