This morning as I was out running, I got to thinking about the people who might look out their windows and see me running by, and it made me wonder what they thought of me.  Even more specifically, I wondered what the woman was thinking as she passed me in the car – real slow like – laughing.  I get that I’m not the most fluid runner in the world, but to cackle as you slowly drive by me felt low.

Of course, she was probably laughing at something totally unrelated to my attempt at running, but the fact that I had the reaction I did made me start considering the “crowd” and how we usually it.

If you’ve ever attempted to do anything that pushes you to the edge of your abilities – run a marathon, start a business, raise a child – then you’ve met the crowd.  They’re the people – real or imagined – who aren’t actually attempting the new endeavor with you, but are on the sidelines as you’re attempting it.  I’m starting to realize that risk-taking is uncomfortable because it’s vulnerable, and in that state we’re either aware of the crowd or afraid of it.

I still remember giving speeches in college and being so nervous that I’d sweat enough to look like I’d been in a shower by the time I was finished.  The vulnerability of it all made me afraid to even acknowledge the people in the room, which resulted in some awkward moments for all of us.  Being afraid of the crowd always makes us weaker.

The alternative is to become very aware of their presence and their energy.  When we become aware of the strength in the crowd, we’ll find that we can do more than we ever dreamed possible.