How would you define “encouragement”? It is a fascinating word to me. It encompasses the word COURAGE. The definition of encouragement is, “The act of giving someone support, confidence or hope”.
We all need encouragement, and recently, much more so. Are you encouraging yourself too? If you give support, confidence and hope to someone else, you will find it returning to you in spades. But first, how do you talk to yourself? It’s all too easy to be your own critic.
Self talk is a big topic now and the clients I coach all get the self talk worksheet and most of them find it most challenging to complete. How we speak to ourselves becomes a habit and will be how we speak to others at times. I was once advised to talk to myself the way I would talk to a small child. That was a wake up call and eye opening to say the least.
Let’s talk courage for a moment. A lot of people don’t believe they are courageous. It’s the ability to do something that frightens you, i.e., stepping out of your comfort zone; being bold. The prefix “en” means within or in. The suffix “ment” indicates a process or an action; one of it’s meanings.
Here is a look at putting them together for fun and consider the word “encouragement” from that perspective. Within / in doing something that frightens you resulting in an action. If you are not comfortable giving encouragement to yourself and other, that’s where courage comes in and you step out to make a difference in someone else’s life. I had this conversation with a client recently. The client was overly focused on their problems or more accurately stated, potential problems. The assignment for the week is to encourage others and bring support, confidence and hope to their lives. Give yourself some grace and space to be happy too; let in the good and see that good in you!
There is so much good in our lives and in the world around us. If you find yourself starting down the rabbit hole of discouragement, reach out, encourage someone who needs it. Sometimes just a simple check in with people will turn their day around as there may be no one else in their life who checks on them. Be that one who can make a difference, no matter how big or small. The small ones add up to a much bigger impact. Smile and speak kindly, starting with yourself.
