You cannot give someone courage, but sometimes your presence is all a person needs in order to behave courageously. They simply need to know, whether they win or lose, succeed or fail, that you will be by their side throughout the experience. The work of being courageous is theirs alone to do, but your presence … Continue reading Encouraging Presence
We walk such a fine line as parents, giving guidance, encouragement, and support while still allowing our children to find their own way, be their own persons, and pursue their own paths. We want the best for them, but we also cannot do the work for them. We want to share our hopes and courage … Continue reading The Fine Line of Parenting
Encouragement changes lives. Discouragement does as well. Both are tools. As such, we get to choose which we will use. We get to decide who we want to be to and for others. And, we get to decide who we want to help others become through our influence. Every decision matters. Every choice matters. Every … Continue reading Choosing Encouragement
“The secret to change and growth is not willpower or goalsetting, but positive community.”—Neil Strauss The process of growth and change is not always easy nor are we likely to be comfortable as we move through it. In fact, improvement is nearly always difficult. It is challenging and it is sometimes even painful, but that … Continue reading The Power of Positive Community
How do we protect our passion from our discouragers? When we are at our most enthusiastic, most excited, and most optimistic about an idea, we are also our most vulnerable. If, in this moment, the people around us encourage us, motivate us, and help to clear our path, we can accomplish anything. If, however, they … Continue reading Enthusiasm is a Moment of Weakness
