Encouragement
Everyone needs encouragement. So many people in this world feel discouraged, pressed in, cornered, unworthy, unlovable, or completely
overwhelmed by the circumstances of their lives. You can make a difference in one moment if you will honestly and sincerely encourage them. Let them
know that they are capable, that they can do the task before them.
Adults, children and senior citizens all need
to be encouraged. One way to do this is to talk with them,
give them a clear picture of how you see them doing
something well. Give them your vision when they
don’t have their own. Be gentle. Encourage one
moment and empathize the next. Let them talk about
their dreams and how they used to be or in moments when
they felt strong. Sometimes it is necessary to be firm
or decisive about the positive picture that you hold of
them. Don’t waver in your thoughts, be sure that they will
be able to do what they want and do it well. Encourage them to do it one step at a time. Praise these little
accomplishments. Encourage them to something a little
more challenging. Keep recalling that vision of strength
for them. Encourage the positive in them; don’t let them
have a self-pity party.
People may not know what they want to do, and it
is not your job to tell them what they should do.
But you can encourage them towards what they like to do,
what makes them joyful, what makes them feel strong
and empowered. You can encourage them to make choices
that feel better for them.
You can encourage anyone exactly where you are.
If you are in school, or if you are working, find the positive right there. Sometimes a smile is all it takes. If
they are feeling down, a hug can do wonders to make
someone feel worthy or lovable. You can encourage with
your words and your thoughts, by listening, by being a
sounding board, by leading them with your own actions or
way of being.
When you need to be encouraged, come to me, or
go to another person who can offer encouragement
to you. Don’t go to anyone whom you know will
condemn your actions or judge you. Go to the people
with vision and strength of their own who are making
some positive impact. Every creature on this planet can be
and needs to be encouraged at one time or another.
Be that person who encourages others. Encourage with
kindness, with love, by examples, with praise, with your words.
It is as simple as saying ” You can do this.” To encourage
is one of the greatest things that you can do for someone.
This doesn’t mean that you do their work for them. For
anyone to become everything for which they are capable
they have to do it. They have the opportunity to embrace
a new choice, a new way of being, and they have to walk
through it. You can be with them every step of the way.
You can uplift and strengthen by your words of
encouragement.
Also remember to encourage yourself. “I know
you can do this.” “Come on now, you can do this.”
One step out is all it takes to transform a situation,
or yourself. Step after step consistently will bring you
into a new place. Only you or I can take that first step,
and the second and the third. Sometimes you are
the only person with words of encouragement for
someone who is doing something outstanding or great.
Great teachers or mentors need encouragement too;
they can doubt themselves sometimes. They wonder if they are
making the difference, or if they are doing enough. It’s not
easy being the odd man out or to stand up and have
convictions about something when everyone else is going
along with the crowd. If you don’t have any words to
say, a touch on the arm or shoulder, a pat on the back, a smile,
or a spontaneous gift can go a long way. Find ways to
encourage someone. Do so sincerely. Receive
encouragement yourself. Be open to moments when you
can impact someone’s life in a positive and gentle manner,
or a profound way.
I encourage you, my daughter, to embrace
your life, and reach every height that you can! YOU CAN DO IT!!
Yoga Kat–aka Katheryn Hoban is a yoga teacher with twelve years experience. She teaches children’s yoga ages 3-6, and 7-12 and Adults privately in NJ. She is the author the book DAUGHTER BELOVED which will come out next year. She has created a children’s affirmation CD (ages 3-6) and an affirmation CD for adults. Yoga Kat is available for speaking or writing and can be reached at katscoolcorner@yahoo.com or 201 970-9340
