How to Spread Positive Vibes on the Trail

4 easy steps to create a kinder more connected world — one wave at a time 

We Wave is all about inspiring kindness and connection on life’s trail, one wave at a time. Waving hello is the simplest gesture and yet it’s a super-effective way to spread kindness, create new connections, establish mutual respect, and promote inclusivity. When we wave, we not only acknowledge the humanity within ourselves, but we also affirm the humanity in others. Pretty powerful stuff, right!?

 Whether you’re walking downtown, hiking, or biking your favorite trail, spreading kindness and connection is always possible.

Just keep in mind the acronym WAVE. 

Wave

Just say, "Hi!" and wave!

Yes, we're partial to this approach because it’s an easy way to spread joy. A simple smile and wave demonstrate to the other person that you see, acknowledge, and appreciate them. There’s a lot of research that proves smiling can also enhance your mood and help you feel more connected to others. 

What if they don't smile and wave back? You never know what someone is going through — and you never know how your demeanor may help brighten their day. Even if the person doesn't return your greeting, they may have been positively influenced by your kindness, so keep waving🖐!

Acknowledge

It's so easy to give acknowledgment and affirmation.

See someone sporting a cool shirt or tattoo or ball cap? Give them some love. Is someone doing a great job or providing excellent customer service? Don’t wait to fill out a survey, let them know right away! Whether they’re picking up trash, facilitating a meeting, or doing their job with a smile, acknowledging someone for their contribution makes you both feel good. Plus, it demonstrates to the other person that they are seen and appreciated for being themselves.

Visualize

Imagine the possibility!

Envision a world where all people are kind to each other, where we judge less, and where we give each other a break. Why not think the best of everyone you meet and every experience you have? Having a positive outlook is healthy for you in so many ways. (Just ask the experts at Mayo Clinic.) Take a minute and visualize the world you want to live in — then take action to make it so. The first step is easy: Start waving🖐!

Encourage

Whether they’re flawlessly descending technical terrain on their MTB, struggling to summit Mount Uncampaghre at 14,3069 ft or learning how to walk again post knee surgery, everyone needs encouragement!

When you’re out and about and see someone else striving towards a physical goal, give them a shout out to keep going. Of course, adopting a heart for encouraging others extends off-trail, too. Life presents all kinds of challenges. Consider the people in your life who are struggling emotionally and send a text or give them a call to let them know you care. It only takes a minute and might transform their moment or entire day.

Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing — waving, acknowledging, visualizing and encouraging —you’re sending positive vibes into the world. The more intentional you are about this simple action, the greater the benefit to you and others you meet along the way. 

Get out there and wave today! Then share your experience in the comments section below.