No Man is an Island

This past weekend I had the opportunity to participate on a relay team for a triathlon that was put on by The Challenged Athletes Foundation. Since then, I have been thinking about the event and trying to pinpoint what made it so special. What stood out? What made everyone at the event feel so uplifted and motivated even though they were surrounded by people who were living with one of life’s biggest fears — a disability. 
I believe the word that sums it all up is SUPPORT.
Humans need each other to get through the good times, and the bad. We need to be able to clap our hands and cheer each other on, we need to bounce ideas off of each other, and we need to learn from one another. I believe that deliberate interaction is part of what makes the human psyche blossom, and helps us become successful. 
With this in mind, the next time you are striving for a goal, let the people around you know about it, and don’t be afraid to ask for their support. Surround yourself with people who are striving for similar goals. Join a club, become part of a team or reach out to your friends and ask them if they know of anyone striving for something similar. It would be rare that someone wouldn’t want to help out. 
On the flip side, take time to be aware of what the people around you are trying to accomplish. Ask them about it. Offer your support. Go to their events. Do what it takes to let others know that you care about them and what they are trying to achieve.By consciously giving and receiving support, your life will become more enriched. After all, we have all heard the phrase “no man is an island”, and it’s true!