In January, I committed to finally reading the unabridged edition of Victor Hugo’s famous novel, Les Misérables. 

Familiar with the moving story via its stage and film adaptations, I have long wanted to read the book, and I have had a paperback copy sitting on my nightstand for at least two years.  But at 1,460 pages, it is an ambitious read, so I have repeatedly set it aside, as if waiting for some perfect time to magically emerge where I could sit down and read for two weeks straight. 

As with many things that seem big or overwhelming, starting is often the hardest part. 

So, I planned a time to read for a few brief minutes each day (first thing in the morning), I lowered my expectations dramatically (hoping to finish by the end of the calendar year), and, perhaps most importantly, I intentionally selected a bookmark.  

Once several years ago when I was struggling, one of my daughters left an array of small construction paper smiley faces and hearts inscribed with loving notes all over my bed.  I saved the notes and have used them for bookmarks ever since. The one I selected for this book reads, “Believe in yourself.” 

One reason I decided to read Les Misérables this year was because I anticipated simultaneously jumping to some other new growth curves that felt daunting. It was one way of choosing to lean in, to give myself a concrete goal to track as evidence of progress, hoping that the sense of accomplishment would carry over to other less tangible areas of my life. 

One third of the way through the year, I am nearly 150 pages behind my target pace. (Ahem, 56 pages on the Battle of Waterloo have taken their toll!) But I am not giving up. I have missed lots of mornings, but I have also unintentionally benefited from carrying the book around with me to read while working a concession stand, waiting for a school performance to start, and sitting in waiting rooms, where it has opened up conversations with others who have read the book, and given me positive reinforcement to keep going.

Here’s what I have noticed: 

* The shelf life of cheerleading is long. My daughter’s sweet notes continue to give me a lift long past the time she intended them to. 

* Affirmations are transferable. When someone encourages me in regards to my altogether rather inconsequential reading goal, my brain can also apply the positivity to other less visible areas where I am stretching and growing in more consequential ways. 

* It’s easier to cheer someone else on when I am in a good place myself. The more I tend to and bolster my own emotional wellbeing, the more equipped I am to pour goodness into somebody else. 

* What we send out comes back to us, even if it’s just by way of our brain recording the same affirmations we offer to someone else.  

In short, cheerleading creates a virtuous circle. 

There is power in letting others cheer us on, and power in cheering for others. 

So whatever big or overwhelming thing you’re chipping away at today, I just want to say, Keep up the good work.  You’re making more progress than you think.  Believe in yourself.  Pass it on.

“…Everybody needs a cheerleader—someone who isn’t telling you, ‘You’re not running fast enough’; they’re lovingly reminding you that you can.” Tamara W. Runia