Encouragement Day 53
The definition in the dictionary of encouragement is the action of giving someone support, confidence or hope. Right now seems like the perfect time for giving or receiving encouragement. A few weeks ago, on a mild October night, a dear friend did just that for me; she encouraged me to climb a handmade wooden ladder up into her treehouse. I wouldn’t say I have a fear of heights but then again, I wouldn’t say I don’t.
I was reminded a few years earlier, I had also been encouraged into her treehouse and after just a few minutes, I found myself climbing to the top but as I did, caught my brand new shirt on a piece of bark that ripped through the thin fabric……argh. Recently, as my friend easily went up the ladder, I cautiously surrendered rung by rung until I reached the top, then had to maneuver from the ladder to the floor of the treehouse. Upon standing, I felt giddy, like I just successfully conquered a hurdle. It was the perfect fall night under the stars as we caught up on life; due to COVID and schedules, I hadn’t seen her in months. Once settled, I loved the feeling of being high above the ground under the stars and the canopy of the leaves and branches.
Her simple act of encouragement gave me the determination to do something I may not have done on my own. Her trust and confidence in me was the magic key to my success. What a world this would be if we encouraged each other every day. No agendas, no hidden meanings, just pure encouragement right from the heart. I believe people have good intentions to encourage but second guess themselves for fear of being vulnerable or speaking up.
Thank you to my friend Cheri, in choosing me for her encouragement day 53. She’s always championed me to stretch and grow, and even though my goal has also been to encourage people through my work and writings, I needed to be reminded as well. I’m encouraging you to lift someone up this week; you’ll feel fantastic and so will they.
xoxox…..Sheryl
Simple ways to encourage others:
share encouraging thoughts
send a note of gratitude or thanks
celebrate a friend’s victory
when you witness someone making positive changes, acknowledge them
tell a friend, loved one or even a stranger how they’ve encouraged you
smile, sometimes a simple smile is all someone needs
praise an effort no matter how small
listen