Hi there, thanks for stopping by today.
Lately it seems that being stressed, overwhelmed and discouraged have been themes with me and many of my friends and colleagues. Life in general comes with stress and discouragement, no matter how much we try to steer clear of them. I have been feeling especially stressed and overwhelmed the past few weeks. One day I started chatting with a friend at work and in the course of our conversation I mentioned a few things that were stressing me out. By the end of our conversation I felt so much better, happier with a feeling that I could do this, and that I was able to handle the various issues I was dealing with. So, you ask what was the key that my friend gave me during this conversation? ENCOURAGEMENT!
Source: Pexels
Encouragement…in many forms
From this experience I realized how much each one of us needs/requires encouragement. Whether things are going great, or absolutely horrible… we all need some encouragement now and then. Encouragement can come in many forms:
- a good song which speaks to you right where you are
- a quote or passage in a book or in a blog you are reading (like this one! 🙂 )
- encouraging words from a friend, or maybe even a stranger
- a hug from a friend or family member
- a listening ear, someone just willing to listen to your excitement or frustration
- a special email or letter that you receive from someone special
- acknowledgement that you are doing a good job (whether that is at work, as a parent, as a student, or just in general)
While encouragement is definitely needed when things are not going well, I believe it is also important when things are going well too. Why is that? Well, for acknowledgement that we are doing the right thing, that our celebration and joy are shared, and to know that we can do it (whatever “it” is).
We all need to give encouragement
While it is amazing to receive encouragement, it is also fabulous to give encouragement. Remember how you feel when you are encouraged – you feel amazing, energized, hopeful, and like you can do almost anything! So, spread it around! Encourage someone around you, they may need this word more than you know. Share a special thought or passage with others (even with friends on social media), tell a co-worker you have noticed and appreciated all the work they do, give a birthday card to someone, tell a parent that they are doing a great job with their kids – there are so many ways to encourage. Encourage your children – no matter what age they are, you need to encourage and build them up. Others are often quick to tear down, we need to build up (not in a false way though). Giving encouragement to others can also act as encouragement for you as well. Saying “I believe in you!” “You can do it.” means so much when you say these words honestly to someone. Be a cheerleader.
Some Encouragement for you today!
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis
“Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.” –Charles Swindoll
“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” –Booker T. Washington
“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” —Maya Angelou
“Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.” —Jim Rohn
“It’s not what you’ve got, it’s what you use that makes a difference.” —Zig Ziglar
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you know.” – A. A. Milne
“Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect.” Alan Cohen
Be encouraged!!
You are amazing!
