Several years ago, a crazy idea came to me to start running around my town holding this sign high above my head, and I followed through and I did it. What's happened since has completely changed my life for the better and the life of hundreds of others.

I'm really hoping that this story will help spread this message, not just around my local town where I've been running, but all the way across the world. My name is Ben, and I love to run. I've been running since about 2006 when a good friend I met in my neighborhood got me started. It's become a lifelong habit, and in recent years, I've added weight training to stay generally healthy.

One of the things I love most about running is getting into "the zone" - that state where everything feels effortless and inspiration can flow freely. The idea for running with a sign actually developed over several years. While running, I would pass people and see their faces - people driving to work, taking kids to school, rushing around with the stress of life. I could see the dread in some people's faces, and I thought, wouldn't it be cool if I could motivate these people?

The idea kept growing, and one day, I got really excited about it. I decided to write everything down - holding a sign, organizing events, getting people together on corners. But when I'd get home and cool down, doubts would creep in. What would people think of this weirdo holding a sign? Would my kids get teased about their crazy dad running around town? These doubts kept me from taking action for years.

Everything changed in February 2022. We had just gone through the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, with all the challenges they brought - masks, lockdowns, travel restrictions, political bickering, and family conflicts. We even had a death in the family. I was feeling weary, like Bilbo in Lord of the Rings - "thin, like butter scraped over too much bread." Though things were generally fine - good job, good health, wonderful family - I felt emotionally, mentally, and spiritually drained.

One day, I said a simple prayer asking for help, just wanting to feel better. The next day, during my Tuesday run, the thought came back with force. It wasn't just a good idea anymore - it felt like something I needed to do, with a warm assurance that it would help me feel better. This time was different. I committed to making it happen.

That Monday night, I finally created my sign. Using a dollar store poster board and printed letters, I made a simple sign saying "I BELIEVE IN YOU." The next morning, despite serious doubts, I took that first run. I started by holding it up for some kids walking to the bus stop, getting smiles in return. When I saw cars, I held it as high as I could. The reactions were amazing - people smiling, waving, honking. I had a blast, even though it was physically challenging. My heart rate was much higher than usual, but I pushed through.

The impact was immediate and profound. Stories started pouring in through social media. People shared how seeing the sign had changed their day, brought them to tears, or inspired them. One person texted my daughter saying they had been fighting with their parents and planning to quit school, but seeing the sign changed their mind. The stories ranged from brightening someone's day to transforming their entire year.

But the most powerful moment came when a car pulled over during one of my runs. The driver shared that they had been contemplating suicide that day, driving around in despair. Seeing my sign snapped them out of it and helped them realize life was worth living. I was completely floored. I had no idea something as simple as running with a sign could have such a profound impact. It solidified for me that kindness is truly powerful and desperately needed in our world. A simple "I believe in you" can literally save a life.

Since that day, I've never run without my sign. I run several times a week, holding it high when there are cars and people around. Though it was physically challenging at first, my body adapted after a few months. This journey has changed my life in ways I never expected. It's brought me out of my introverted shell and connected me with countless amazing people.

Now, I'm committed to spreading this message as far as I can. I won’t rest until there are runners like me in every city across the world. Will you help me reach my goal?