𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨 𝐏𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤

This morning, I didn’t know what today’s Patio Pondering would be. Not until I crossed the St. Joe River north of Grabill and got a phone call from a friend.

It started with a lighthearted question: “Guess who followed you out of Leo today?”

“You followed me?” I asked.

“Yep,” they said. “From the 4-way stop until you turned off on Roth.”

Then they added something that stopped me in my tracks. “There’s a lot of symbolism in me following you for that short stretch because today I start my brand-new job. And honestly, your Patio Ponderings helped me get through some rough patches during my unemployment.”

Talk about humbling. That comment landed hard in the best possible way.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about hitting a wall with my writing. The vain side of me, the selfish and very human part, was frustrated. I wasn’t getting many pats on the back or words of encouragement. But what bigger compliment could there be than that quiet, honest moment from a friend who said my words mattered?

We’ve all been there. Struggling. Worn out. Hoping someone sees us and says something that helps. And just when we need it, it happens. A phone call. A kind text. A message that lifts the weight, even if only a little.

I still have on my calendar a prompt I added after attending a Pig Improvement Company (PIC) - North America Swine training session several years ago titled “PIC Encouragement Day.” It’s meant to remind me to take a moment on that day to encourage someone. We shouldn’t need calendar reminders to pat someone on the back; but we do. Consider this your reminder to reach out to someone and give them an attaboy today.

So take a moment and think back. When were you in that place, and who reached out to you? Now think forward. Who in your life might need that same kind of nudge; a quick attaboy, a heartfelt pat on the back, or even a simple “how are you doing?”