“When you encourage others, you in the process are encouraged because you’re making a commitment and difference in that person’s life. Encouragement really does make a difference.”—Zig Ziglar
Have you ever been discouraged? (Of course, you have.) Everyone is discouraged from time to time. How is one to deal with discouragement?
One approach to overcoming discouragement is to remember: “This too shall pass.” And of course, whatever it is, it shall, indeed, pass. The question is: “When?” A day? A week? A month? A year? There is no guarantee when the source of our discouragement shall pass. So, we just grin and bear it?
The alternative is to confront discouragement—to counter it with a good dose of encouragement. We overcome discouragement with encouragement. When we encourage others, we let a bit of light into our own lives. It only takes a little bit of light to begin to brighten a room.
When I am most discouraged, I have found the words of Zig Ziglar to be true. Share a bit of encouragement and it returns like a boomerang.
With social media, there are ample opportunities to extend encouragement. Rather than participate in the barrage of negativity that social media has become. Choose to be positive. Share only what is positive and uplifting. Post affirming comments and avoid conflict.
In the past, particularly when I was not in such a great place emotionally, I could easily get sucked into a charged discussion over the most mundane of topics. I am learning.
Not all too long ago, it occurred to me that my negativity was not only keeping me down, but was bring down others, as well. So, I started be intentional with my posts. I began to search for and share uplifting quotes. These not only lifted my spirits, but they began to have an effect on others. For a while, it might have seemed that I was quite upbeat despite being rather dark times. Soon, though, the darkness was driven out and light remained.
In times when we are struggling, it is useful to surround ourselves with positive people. Such people help to lift our spirits. On the contrary, negative people serve only to keep us down.
In addition to sharing positive quotes and affirmations, we can encourage others (and thereby ourselves) by setting time aside for others. It is important, however, that such time be spent with people who share our desire to be positive and to be encouraged. Otherwise, such times become destructive. It serves no one any benefit to sit around it what amounts to a “pity party”. We are “the average of the five people we spend the most time with” (Jim Rohn). The average of negatives is still negative. Whatever the effect that positive people have on us, it is quickly negated by cynical, contentious persons. Avoid these like the plague.
Make conscious efforts to be encouraging. Smile and greet others with thoughts of “grace and peace.” Be cheerful—even when it is forced. It may require effort, but this initial effort will be amplified in return. Let others know you care, and they will care in return. And, should they choose to remain miserable, you will still benefit from the effect you will have on yourself.
Times can be quite hard, but they don’t have to be so painful.
“Everyone has the potential to become an encourager. You don’t have to be rich. You don’t have to be a genius. You don’t have to have it all together. All you have to do is care about people and initiate.”—John C. Maxwell