Encouragement

I've been thinking about encouragement a lot lately: what is is, what it isn't, where and how I/you/we meet it, where and how I/you/we avoid it, how I feel when I am encouraged, how I feel when I'm not…

Encouragement is something I reflect on periodically, but lately - since I've been communicating with this year's Support Stories contributors (Support Stories could definitely be called Encouragement Stories) and taking the final steps prior to offering Encouragement Sessions (more on that as it develops) - I've been doing double time pondering and reflecting (on encouragement).

I figured I'd share my biggest aha! with you in the hope that it'll spark YOUR thoughts on encouragement!

Sooo - my biggest a-ha! is realizing that encouragement is me-centered (which is not the same as self-centered or selfish).

Encouragement is specific to me and (I think) YOU.

It's different from inspiration in that inspiration feels general. I can be inspired by listening to people talk about what they're up to, what they're passionate about - even when the things they're up to are way outside my own passions and interests.

But encouragement, like I mentioned above, is specific.

I feel encouraged when I feel seen and heard, when who I (really) am is acknowledged (as opposed to when someone sees me as they wish I was, or mis-sees me).

When I feel encouraged it's like I'm more me, more solidly me (all of me!).

Also (this wasn't my aha! thought, but it is good to know/remember!), encouragement can come from outside or in - being seen and heard and/or acknowledged can come from others OR from mySelf.

Resonate?

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Want to hear (and/or read) stories that bring you awareness, allowing, acceptance and appreciation (i.e. celebration!) - of yourSELF! As you are. Now!

Yeah? Good! Then check out Square-Peg Celebration: Stories of Acceptance and Grace.

There's a gorgeous 47-page pdf including the essays, Slightly-British Daughter's gorgeous photography, and inspiring quotes - plus a recording of each essay! (see: hear and/or read!)

What are you waiting for? Go on over and listen (there's a free mp3 sample!).