In a time when we often find ourselves divided instead of united,

Be reminded, there is only one force that overcomes fear and hate,

LOVE makes US great!

Welcome to the eleventh month of LOVE makes US great! This blog follows a monthly formula. Second week – bringing more love to friends and family. Let’s start loving.

I've always hated running. Yes, hated. I wish that I loved it because it's an exercise you can do just about anywhere – just bring your sneakers. It turns out that I needed inspiration from a friend. Thanks to @BeckyCurran, I now run regularly and ran my second 5K last weekend.

Friends are a great source of encouragement, and it goes both ways. Becky had back surgery that required a lengthy recovery - essentially learning to walk again. When Becky asked me to join her for the Bionic 5K, there was no way I would refuse. 

My love for a friend who was committed to building back her body was more powerful than my dread of running.

Becky and I both finished the 5K with the support of Becky's posse of friends. We all talked, laughed, and even sang Don't Stop Believin' while doing 11 laps around the track at Kezar Stadium. 

My friend, @LisaMariePlatzke, has often said that when friends run low on strength, we can lend each other strength. During those 11 laps, we had plenty of friend strength to call in to make it to the finish line.

Now, I enjoy running, and I plan to keep it up.

Lacing up our sneakers to encourage and support our friends is love in action. Please share, what have your friends encouraged you to do that you would not have done otherwise?

Love requires participation. 

Love requires sharing. 

Love requires action. 

Love requires commitment. 

With gratitude,

Joyce Aiko

(Yes, love really is my middle name.)