So, we are just over half way through 2011.
How does your year look so far? Is it unfolding the way you had hoped it would? Have there been more bumps in the road than you were expecting? Are you still contemplating your new years resolutions and perhaps modifying them somewhat?
we all need encouragement…
No matter how much we focus upon our chosen vision, are aware of the intention for our vision and embrace the clarity we need to undertake our vision; we all still need to feel a sense of encouragement. To feel as though we are not alone on our journey, to feel we have support for our dreams and desires, to feel that what matters to us also matters to those that we come in contact with. We all have the same desire to feel a sense of value and worth and this can be bolstered when we are given encouragement.
not discouragement…
We live in a wonderful world of beauty and blessings, but often what is portrayed on television, in movies and song lyrics is despair, destruction and desperation. Discouragement can drain our wells of enthusiasm very quickly. It can make us doubt ourselves, draw us into poor decisions and in some cases lead to depression. It can be a slow and incremental undermining that sneaks up to erode our sense of purpose and well-being.
We each look for bits of encouragement daily, whether it is someone saying ‘I love you’, a stranger smiling at us as we pass on the sidewalk, or a card in the mail to let us know someone is thinking of us. We all welcome the words ‘well done’ and ‘I appreciate your hard work’ in our day to day routine.
encouraging others…
So how can we encourage others, which in turn boosts our own outlook? Here are nine simple ways to make an impact on others and brighten their day. Try to do just one or two each day and see a difference.
E engage:
:: clear distractions, focus and give undivided attention, even for a short time
N nurture:
:: place your arm around a shoulder or give a hug to break down barriers
C connect:
:: smile at a stranger, compliment a store clerk, thank the postman
O offer:
:: hold the door, help carry something, let someone ahead of you in line
U uplift:
:: buy from a kids lemonade stand, send a card to someone special
R relate:
:: briefly tell your own story and listen to theirs
A attend:
:: show support by being at events important to those important to you
G give:
:: share time, knowledge and resources with others
E express:
:: life is short, don’t wait to say what is in your heart
