Cheerleader

What comes to mind when we hear the word "cheerleader"?
Pretty & perky young high school or college girls in extra-short flouncy skirts or minuscule shorts with pom-pons waving in the air, their sole purpose to cheer on whatever sports team they support with shouts and songs, boosting morale, encouraging the efforts, win or lose.
At least, that's the picture I get when I hear the word.

A cheerleader is - according to one Merriam-Webster.com definition - a person who encourages other people to do or support something. That's a great person to have in your life and I believe we all need one. Or two. Or three, Lol!
Having a cheerleader in your life is important, don't you think?
Someone who encourages you, lifts your flagging spirit and lights a fire of determination in you, gets you to keep going even when it seems you have lost or are losing the game, while you are taking part in this sport called life with it's ever-changing rules.
Someone who is in your corner always, come what may; who lights a fire for you and holds it up so you can see in the darkness of self-doubt and fear; who holds your hand and stays firmly by your side to face the monster only you can see.
Someone who, even though they cannot see your dream, they help you in the pursuit of that dream. Someone who climbs a mountain (metaphorical and/or real) with you even though they think you are crazy for wanting to climb that mountain.
Someone you are not afraid to tell your hopes and dreams to because you just know that no matter how silly and stupid the dreams and hopes are, they will tell you to try and be there while you do.
Someone who, even when gone from your life, you will always hear their voice telling you, "You Go Girl! You Can Do It!!"

A real cheerleader is not always pretty or young or female or dressed in flouncy clothing; isn't always yelling out the words, isn't always speaking. Isn't always an obvious friend either.
Whatever form they assume, they are important. Whatever the decibel of their voices, we hear them, we need them.

Who is your cheerleader? Who are you cheerleading for?

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