Gratitude Monday: A little encouragement

Here we are at Gratitude Monday again, and today I’m grateful for the Encouragers.

You know—people who (unsolicited) pour sunshine over you in quantities large and small—via a card, a hug, a tweet, whatever.

The teacher who assures the student that she’s turned in good work—and that she can do still better. The customer who leaves his server a tip and a note: “Thanks!” The friend who reminds you that you’re having a crappy day, not living a bad life. The toddler who helpfully turns the page so you can continue reading Harold and the Purple Crayon.

The world is so full of people who—for whatever reasons—think that positive feedback is finite, and that whatever someone else is given diminishes what they can receive. It’s also got a fair complement of those whose praise is meaningless because it’s dispensed indiscriminately, and is disconnected from any basis in fact. (I’m referring to the contemporary practice of handing out medals or trophies to every kid who plays in the [softball/basketball/soccer/lacrosse] game because “you’re all winners.”)

Today’s gratitude does not refer to either of these groups; although now that I think of it, perhaps they could do with a little encouragement of their own. Guys—bless your hearts.

What I’m talking about does not have to be elaborate; some days “Hey, nice one!” is all you need to put everything into perspective. It just has to be heartfelt.

(It may perhaps seem petty, but one of the biggest pieces of encouragement I’ve had came from a guy I’ve never met, who tweeted, “I like your blog.” Coming from someone who has no vested interest in making me feel good, that was huge. Well, he represented about 20% of my readership, so even more huge.

(And don’t misunderstand—I’ve had massive amounts of support and encouragement from friends over the years, especially through the last few. They make all the difference in the world. I’m just pointing out that you do not have to have a relationship connection or make a lengthy commitment in order to make a profound difference in someone’s life.)

I try to keep this in mind, because here’s the deal: you do not need to have a fat bank account or a high-powered job to be an Encourager. That means I can do it. And so can you.

You just have to be alert to the opportunity and sincere in your delivery. That’s the beauty of it—encouragement feels good on both sides of the act.

And I’m grateful for those who have been Encouragers and for those who have allowed me to be one.