The Power of Support
Lately I have been thinking a lot about support and just how powerful it is. These past couple of months have been a whirlwind of planning, renovating, dreaming, reimagining, and plenty of second guessing myself. Through all of it, I have been surrounded by people who carried me, cheered for me, and showed up again and again in ways I will never take for granted.
My brother owns Advantage Home Improvements and our nephew Josh works alongside him. Honestly, where would I even be without them. Stuart and I have our own little sibling language. He is the kind of guy who can take a scrambled idea that has been swirling around in my head and somehow make it real. I do not know how he does it. They tackled every renovation with patience, even as I changed my mind a few times and added more than a few surprise projects. Instead of walking away, they kept showing up with tools in hand and smiles on their faces. Josh’s wife Jenna even helped with the first major clean up. We scrubbed floors on our hands and knees. Support like that is impossible to measure.
And then there is Steve. He stepped up at home without missing a beat. He has been steady and dependable, quietly keeping everything running behind the scenes. The dishwasher, the laundry, groceries. I think I have been to Fortino’s once in the last two months. Maybe.
And sweet little Tank. He may not swing a hammer, but it did not stop him from trying. He stole tools, dipped his ear in paint, and walked straight through dust piles. As our unofficial Director of Happiness, he has discovered that the happier he is, the more treats he gets. Let us just say he has been very happy lately. He loves greeting everyone at the spa. Cindy, our nail tech, even goes to the farm on her way to work to pick up fresh apples for him. We try to use healthy products in the spa, which is a good thing because we caught Tank eating a foot scrub made with oil and brown sugar.
I also cannot forget Shelley. She has been the heartbeat behind POP’s marketing. I get compliments on our Instagram page every single day. I would love to say thank you it has been a lot of work, but truly it has nothing to do with me. Shelley is incredibly talented and makes sure the world knows what we are building. POP would not be POP without her. And as if that were not enough, she created the most stunning painting for the studio. If you have not seen it yet, it is on Instagram and it is breathtaking.
And then there is Andrew, my kid. Our very first client. He also gave me one of the biggest surprises of all. A full ribbon cutting ceremony. He gathered friends and family, filled the studio with laughter, put out food and drinks, and gave me a night I will never forget. My heart grew a few sizes that Friday night.
When I think about support, this is what comes to mind. It is not just helping. It is love in action. It is family, friends, and even furry companions stepping in with their own kind of magic. I am forever grateful for mine.
I even received a message from Crystal, my Pilates mentor who now lives in Nicaragua. She sent her love and the three rules she lived by when she started Exhale Pilates. I have framed them and they now sit on the POP desk as a reminder to lead with love. Thank you Crystal.
A little nudge for you
Take a moment this week to think about the people who have shown up for you, in big ways or small ones. Send a thank you text, give them a hug, or simply tell them how much they mean to you.
Your heart will grow too.
