My Black is NOT Cracking.

Recently while stopped at a red light, (you remember, the color that indicates you need to stop that most hurried to get to I-don’t-know-where-in-such-a-hurry, these days seem to view as merely an suggestion to maybe stop!) I noticed something painted on the side of the building.  Yes, you tend to notice things when you slow down or take the time to stop.  It said,

“LET’S ROOT FOR EACH OTHER AND WATCH EACH OTHER GROW.”

It stuck with me and really made me think about how things have changed so much in my lifetime.  Or maybe they haven’t.  Maybe I’m just paying attention because I’ve slowed down.  Well, I’ve tried to.  Most would argue otherwise.  Since my forced retirement, a/k/a lay off and subsequent age discrimination, I don’t think I’ve ever been busier.  If only it was paying work!  But I digress.

It feels anymore, like the world is running on a combination of comparison, competition, and hate. 

Social media, which I believe was originally designed to bring us closer together, has in many ways done the exact opposite.  In addition to making us less safe and exposing us to fraud and criminals, it has also fueled comparison.  The perfectly curated, made up, rehearsed reels pretending to be someone’s reality, more often than not, make us feel bad about ourselves; like we’re not good enough or failing.  Instead of feeling inspired, we feel inadequate.  Instead of making us feel closer, we feel even further apart.  Instead of feeling connected, we feel isolated. Like we’re watching everyone else win while we sit on the sidelines sporting the loser crown.

A bit off topic, (but a tad related) but there is something else I noticed lately.  EVERYONE is a damn expert!  Everyone is killing it as a result of their self-declared expertise, except us, and they are dying to teach us how to be as successful as they are for just $48!  Everyone has a course to teach, and they’ve got a teaser disguised as a free workshop that provides absolutely zero information.  BUT, FOR A LIMITED TIME, you can pay me to teach you my secrets of success.  And THERE ARE LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE, SO SIGN UP NOW. Right! Limited until tomorrow when I’m after my next set of suckers!  Want to know how so many are making money online?  Selling thousands of us bullshit, $48 at a time!  “Fool me once shame on you.  Fool me twice, shame on me!”

One the surface it may appear that these folks are rooting for you and trying to teach you the secrets of their success, (and maybe there are some that are genuinely trying to do that!) but seems more like “My life is great. I’m uber successful. You’re a failure, but I can help you and get rich at the same time! Almost feels like a modern-day pyramid scheme to me.  Remember those?  You become a sucker and then you go out and find your own suckers. Some Madoff level BS, minus the stocks.  I wish I believed it was folks just rooting for us. Negativity? Or reality?

So, I. thought to myself, can you really be truly happy if everyone around you is miserable and struggling?

What might happen if we genuinely supported and rooted for each other?   Rooting for someone doesn’t diminish your own light.  It just adds to the collective brightness.  Rivalry comes from a scarcity mindset, and the belief that there isn’t enough to go around. But, guess what else….

Rooting for others benefits us all!

It Reflects Confidence, Not Insecurity
Truly cheering for someone else means you’re secure in your own journey. It says, “I believe there’s room for all of us.” And there is. There’s power in saying, “You’re doing great, and I’m not threatened by it.” That kind of energy is rare in the world of likes and filters, but it’s exactly what we need more of.

It Builds Connection
Celebrating someone else’s win builds trust, empathy, and genuine connection. It reminds us we’re not alone. We rise faster and stronger when we lift together. When we celebrate someone’s achievement, or offer support during their struggle, we start to repair the disconnect.

It Pushes Back Against Toxic Comparison
Social media has sadly made it easy to fall into the trap of measuring our lives against someone else’s filtered moments. Think about it!  Why do we even feel the need to use a filter in the first place? 

It Creates a Culture of Support
One voice of encouragement can spark a wave. In teams, families, schools, and communities, support becomes contagious. The more we give, the more it grows. Being supportive can be magnetic. The more we practice it, the more we attract it. Whether it’s online or in real life, rooting for each other fosters spaces where people can thrive without needing to compete for belonging.

It Feels Good
There’s real joy in seeing others thrive.  This is especially so when you know you played a small part in their story. Being someone else’s cheerleader nourishes your own soul.

7 Ways We Can Root For Each Other

SAY IT

Tell folks you believe in them.  Offer words of support and encouragement. Remind them who they are, and what they are capable of.

LISTEN

Sometimes rooting for someone just means being there and listening without judgment.  Your presence can be more powerful than any advice you might offer.

SEND A MESSAGE. 

A “thinking of you,” message can change a person’s entire day. You are letting them know they matter.

CELEBRATE

Celebrate their accomplishments without comparison or jealousy.  Your time is coming too.

OFFER HELP

Use your contacts, knowledge, and network to help open doors for others.

COLLABORATE.

Rather than compete, work together.  Collaboration can create a bigger impact. 

SHOW UP

One of the most powerful forms of encouragement is to just show up! Support their efforts. Attend their events. Share their work.

And remember

WE RISE HIGHER WHEN WE RISE TOGETHER.

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