For some of us a little encouragement goes a long way. For others, a daily dose is what is needed to manage the routine challenges that are presented within 24 hours. No matter how much or how little you need, the truth is we all need encouragement.
I can remember when it was acknowledged by others that I had the gift of encouragement. At first, I wasn’t impressed. Thinking that everyone did that, I desired acknowledgment for the other things that I did. I was ignorant to the truth of my unique design and qualities. I wanted to be like others that I admired and looked up to. I did not see encouragement as something to be recognized.
Now, why am I sharing this moment of weakness with you? Well, I think we all can relate to a time when we wanted to be something or someone that we are not. For some reason being an “encourager” just did not appeal to my aspirations of who I wanted to be and where I wanted to go. Little did I realize the impact it would have on me and others as I embraced the art of this virtue. Yes, art.
Once I decided to acknowledge encouragement as a gift, I began to be the best encourager I could be. This is still a work in progress. Through this gift, doors of opportunity have opened that I would never knew were possible. Some of the experiences I never saw coming include authoring books; producing and hosting a television show; traveling with governmental leaders and presidential candidates while designing greeting cards for their constituents; accompanying others on their journeys of personal discovery and professional development; and, my favorite, founding a nonprofit program that coaches students to discover the leader within themselves and live their dreams. All of these opportunities and more have been platforms through which I have been honored to empower others by using the art of encouragement. Sharing this gift has been life-changing for me, shifting me from inward reflection to outward impact. Over the years, I have grown to realize that the gift was never about me – it has always been about you.
Why is encouragement so important? While powerful, positive words paint a picture of what could be, encouragement can:
- Motivate you to move forward in your own life.
- Uplift you from the depths of discouragement.
- Readjust your focus from a negative view to a positive view.
- Help you to see the value in yourself and others.
- Reassure you that, despite what you feel, all is well.
- Empower you to reclaim your purpose and live it to the fullest with dignity.
The list could go on. How do I know this? I have lived it. Today, I offer it to you, my friend. If you need an extra boost of encouragement, reach out. I would love to uplift you and share with you why it’s good time to be you!
Peace and Joy,
Coach Angela