Did you know that most people welcome a kind word of encouragement? I don't mean a word of instruction or a lecture. I mean a simple, kind word of encouragement. Let me give you an illustration. I am a diabetic. I try to keep my numbers in check because keeping my glucose numbers in check means the difference between keeping or losing my eye site. Some folks like to scare me about the disease. Some folks like to lecture me. What they don't know is I am already aware of the doom of diabetes if i don't take care of my numbers.
I try to work out daily. I ride my bike 6-12 miles a day. I watch what I eat. I watch my stress level because my sugar levels can elevate from intense stress. What empowers me are kind words that remind me that you are thinking about me and words that encourage me to keep taking care of myself. You may want to say, "I have been thinking about you and want you to know how important you are to me. Please let me know how I can encourage you on your journey with diabetes. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers."
You don't need my permission to encourage me because you have taken the right approach. Most people are very open to encouragement. They welcome encouragement. It's all in the way you approach and handle people. Here are 10 suggestions you may want to try when encouraging someone:
1. Speak words of affirmation
2. Don't lecture or preach
3. Don't judge
4. Know that your presence is enough
5. Show love
6. Show compassion
7. Drop sarcastic remarks...they are self centered and stupid
8. Try to imagine the other person's feelings
9. Be consistent with encouraging people
10. Be a safe place
People are in need of encouragement everywhere. Look for someone to encourage today. Be empowered to reach out to someone in need of your life-giving words. When you encourage others you change your world one person at a time. Before you know it you are changing your culture. So...GO! Someone needs your encouragement today.
Be Encouraged!
Rick
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