Today is National Day of Encouragement. A day dedicated to uplifting people around us and making a positive impact. First created by the Encouragement Foundation at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. It was launched in an effort to create a habit of encouragement. Mayor Belinda LaForce of Searcy made the first proclamation on August 22, 2007 as a Day of Encouragement. Then Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe proclaimed September 12, 2007 as a State Day of Encouragement. Later President George W. Bush made September 12 the official National Day of Encouragement. Offering encouragement is free and can mean the world to someone who needs it. Reassuring words to anyone, even strangers, may make a difference in their lives.
Encouragement is the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope. Encouragement lifts someone up when they are down. It may motivate them to keep going, to keep their eye on their goals and dreams. When we’ve failed, words of encouragement can remind us to keep going. Albert Einstein said, “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” Encouragement in the midst of failure can help lead someone to the success they strive for. Charles Swindoll said, “Life is 10 perfect what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it.” Encouragement is a part of that 90 percent, helping someone react positively or strive to overcome the 10 percent we cannot control. One of my favorite quotes from The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien is from the first book, The Fellowship of the Ring, when Gandalf encourages Frodo to move on. He says, “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” Encouragement can help us do the best we can with the life we have been given, to strive to make it and the world a better place.
The right message may create the spark needed to help change someone’s outlook or perspective. Friedrich Nietzsche wrote, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” Many people find a why in faith and belief in a higher power. For me, my higher power is my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” As I have looked back on my life, the good times, the bad times, happy days, the sad days, I found encouragement in my faith. I also found music to be a great encouragement. One of my favorite songs to listen to when I need encouragement is “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten. The ultimate anthem to move on, to rise up from being knocked down. Another favorite is “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor. Even though the song is about recovering from a bad break up, the message of survival speaks to many situations. Particularly these lyrics: “I will survive/Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive/I've got all my life to live/And I've got all my love to give and I'll survive.”
Here are a few simple ways for offer encouragement. First, tell someone “great job.” Noticing a job well done can improve someone’s day, to encourage them to keep up the good work in the future and helps them feel appreciated for their efforts. For example, managers to employers, teachers to students and parents to children, anyone can appreciate and needs a “great job” now and then. Second, give high fives or fist bumps. In addition to “great job” encouragement, a high five or fist bump further boost someone’s confidence and joy. Third, call, email, text someone you haven’t contacted in a while. A simple “How are you? I’m thinking of you,” can mean the world to someone who may be suffering in silence and need the encouragement to open up and reach out for help. This is especially important as September is also National Suicide Prevention Month and letting people know they are not alone is immensely helpful and encouraging. Lastly, simply smile more. There is a saying that states “Life is like a mirror, smile at it and it smiles back at you.” Smiling releases endorphins, which act like a pain reliever and helps reduce stress.
In conclusion, the goal of the National Day of Encouragement is help us develop the habit of recognizing the talents and efforts of others, so they continue to nurture and develop them. Encouragement can help our relationships at work, at home and in our communities. It doesn’t take much, simple acts of “great job,” a call or text, and even a smile with bring brightness to a dark world. Today and every day, send someone encouragement with a “great job,” a high five, a “I’m thinking of you” text, or if you can’t seem to find the right words, music is a great way to encourage others. You never know who needs to hear the words right now.
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