Two Types of People

In every season of life, two kinds of people help us grow: the cheerleaders and the boosters.

Your cheerleaders are the ones standing right beside you, pom-poms in hand, shouting your name at the top of their lungs. They’re the friends and family who celebrate every milestone, big or small, like you just won gold at the life Olympics. When you reach a goal, they’re the first to post, text, or call, saying, “Look at you! You did that!” Their energy is contagious, and their joy reminds you that your hard work matters, and they see you.

Then there are your boosters, the steady hearts working quietly in the background. They may not make much noise, but they’re the ones who make sure you have what you need to keep going. They are right there with you, working out the details, organizing the meals, meeting you there before the sun rises, and offering the quiet encouragement that says, “I believe in you, even when you don’t believe in yourself.” You might not always see their work or hear their loud cheers, but you always feel their support.

Where the cheerleader lifts your spirit, the booster strengthens your foundation. Both are essential.

We need the loud, joyful voices reminding us to celebrate, and we also need the calm, dependable hands that hold us steady when the confetti settles.

If you’re lucky, your life includes both. And if you’re really blessed, you know a few people who manage to be both, the ones who will shout your praises in public and quietly check on you afterward to make sure you’re okay.

As I reflect on my own journey, I see how both types of love have carried me. The cheerleaders gave me the courage to step out, and the boosters gave me the strength to keep standing once I did.

Today, take a moment to thank them, the ones who make your victories brighter and your challenges lighter. Whether they’re loud or quiet, near or far, their presence is a gift.

And while you’re at it, ask yourself, who am I showing up as in the lives of others, the cheerleader, the booster, or maybe a little bit of both?

Because just like the branches and roots of a loquat tree, both are needed to keep us growing strong, one reaching toward the light, the other holding us steady in love.