Words of Encouragement

My strong desire is to be an encourager. Whether it be through my teaching, my blog, or something as insignificant as my day-to-day conversations with those around me -- I yearn to uplift, to edify.

When compliments are so easily interspersed into chats with friends or even the cashier at the grocery store, why be cheap with them? 

I want my words, thoughts, and deeds to be punctuated with kindness and encouragement, making the difference in someone's day that moves them from the doldrums into hope and optimism.

Recently, while doing some "work" on my emotional health, I have come to realize just how profoundly having breast cancer has affected EVERY aspect of my life -- including my emotional health. Part of my recent healing process has been acknowledging just how deeply it wounded me when I did not receive the expected support and encouragement from certain people in my life. Tears started to well up from inside me -- from somewhere far removed from my eyes. Tears from my soul. My raw pain was overwhelming. However, forgiveness is such an important part of wellness, and something I have given in the past week. My wounds are healing.

In another case of perfect timing, an email arrived from a dear friend today. It was encouragement from start to finish, and included the words, "You are the bravest woman I know!"  Oh, how my soul needed to hear those uplifting words today!

Now, it's my turn to "pay it forward" and seek out opportunities to offer encouragement in return.

Thank you, Judy! You will NEVER know the extent of what you did for me

today :) I appreciate you!