In all the go-go-go of health improvement, it’s easy to skip the part where you stop and recognize the achievements.

So it can feel really good when other people do it for you.

On my post-lunch walk one day, one of my neighbors who sometimes sits out on her front porch with her husband was there. I exited the neighborhood for my medium-length circuit of around 30 minutes, and when I walked back in, there she was still: straight ahead of me. As I started to lift my arm to wave to her, I realized she was already waving wildly at me, pumping both of her arms vigorously up and down while she twisted her hands. I wondered for a second if part of my body had caught fire or there was someone chasing me, so I took off my giant headphones to hear what she was saying, if she was saying anything. Before I could speak, she said “I’m just cheering for you! I see you out here every day!”

The GIGANTIC smile that got from me. “Every day!” I called back. “It’s gonna be a long summer!”

Her broad smile got even bigger. “Go, girl!”

I have never met this neighbor. I don’t know her name and she doesn’t know mine. We’ve lived 4 houses apart for as many years, and we had not spoken a single time before this moment. No regrets about this as our first interaction, or the fact that we wave enthusiastically to each other anytime we cross paths now.

A few days later, I went to Pilates. It has become a pretty standard part of my regimen, anywhere between 1-3 times per week since the end of April. As I was settling in at my reformer, the instructor called out my name and said, “25 classes!” Along with this unexpected shout out — and milestone — I got a spontaneous round of applause from my classmates.

It may sound silly, but these little unexpected celebrations from other people filled my cup. I don’t NEED praise. I don’t NEED acknowledgement. I don’t NEED anyone to clap it up for me. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t feel great when I get those things.

These experiences had the secondary effect of reminding me that it’s important to recognize my own success. I’ve been an excellent trainee because I’ve been an excellent coach, but I could be a better cheer squad. I’ve clocked, and even marked, milestones as I’ve gone — but in stride. I’ve already moved the goalposts by the time I’m mentally high-fiving myself for making it to the point where they just were. That’s been working well for me: keeping my gaze fixed on the next challenging goal ahead has kept me moving in every way, and it’s been an important part of my game plan not to let myself get comfortable. This has made me stay engaged, focused, and undistracted.

Still, a little pat on the back to me from me is warranted. So here’s to me, sis.

Go, girl