Mat Talk, and how we can all benefit from it...thank you, Jerry!

If you have Netflix and you haven’t watched Cheer, WHAT are you doing? You can make time for this docuseries. You must.

If you don’t have Netflix, now would be a wise time to use that free trial, knock on your neighbor’s door, watch with them, whatever it takes.

I started it last week because I kept hearing so many good reviews.

At first, I was skeptical because I have never really been into cheerleading. I respect those who do it because it’s tough. I didn’t know how tough the sport pushes participants until I watched cheer, and how hard these teammates push each other to get through a routine, time and time again.

The character who has resonated most with me is Jeremiah “Jerry” Harris.

This man, the heart, the soul, the rock and the roll of Navarro’s cheer team.

I don’t want to say much to those of you who haven’t watched, but Jerry has had his fair share of struggles before arriving at Navarro. Despite the lows, he still rises. He rises and brings his teammates up with him.

In cheer they have what they call mat talk.

“Mat talk is basically giving encouragement to anybody that is on the floor with you and just letting them know that you have someone that’s looking out for you and someone that wants to be there for you, and that you’re not alone on the floor,” Jerry said in an interview with Ellen.

He so effortlessly and passionately mat talks his team. He doesn’t think twice, the words flow from him.

Jerry sees the potential, the work, the tenacity it takes to be the best. He honors that, he notices what is being done, and he builds people up. On or off the mat, it doesn’t matter. It’s the right thing to do.

We can all benefit from intentionally mat talking those around us. A coworker having a tough week, a friend who just can’t figure out a class assignment, a stranger who is struggling to see their worth. In person or through your screen, let’s mat talk them. Let’s build people up.

I’ve always believed in “celebrating” people and this is the perfect excuse for us all to do that. If Jerry does it, we can too!

At first it may feel uncomfortable, but the more you do it, the easier it gets and the more full you feel.

Building up others, recognizing them for being human, and putting in the work it takes to get through this chaotic life.

I am asking you to try this at least once this week. Find a reason to celebrate someone, to reassure them, to let them know they are not alone.

Small acts of kindness ripple out, and when enough of us do it, kindness confetti flows through our communities. Spread that ish!