Words of Encouragement

No pictures in this post…this is about words….

You may have noticed that I write articles from time to time about parenting topics. I am by no means an authority on good parenting practices, so I'm generally writing in recognition of my own observations and shortcomings – in effect, thinking out loud.

On two occasions in the past week, I was reminded of the importance of validating and encouraging others. This is something I admittedly struggle with. By nature, I am very critical of myself, and tend to analyze and critique most everything I do. When I mess up, no one is tougher on me than I am. The unfortunate consequence of this sometimes excessive self analysis is that all too often, in my quest to try to improve myself, I push my family and others in the same way, and I fail to encourage my family and friends nearly as often as they deserve.

I recently attended a breakfast program at my daughter's school, during which the topic of discussion was the need to validate (encourage) one another – both parents and kids. We then did a little exercise in which we had to tell each other how we thought they offered encouragement. I could just see the impact in my daughter's eyes as I explained to her the way in which she encourages me. It was awesome to me to see the positive impact of those words, but it also saddened me to realize that I most likely don't do that enough. It pointed out to me the need to not only point out areas in need of improvement all the time (in myself and others), but also offer words of encouragement just as often, if not more so.

Similarly, my wife shared with me the words of a letter of reference she just received. The words were so kind and gracious that she said the letter brought her to tears – kind words, that she needed to hear, that came along at just the right time. I recently heard a story that really drove this point home. I do not remember all of the details, but in essence, it stressed the importance of encouraging others. The person sharing the story related how they had met someone, offered words of encouragement, and friendship. He later learned that his new friend had planned to commit suicide the very day of their chance encounter; the words of encouragement and friendship changed the new friend's mind.

So what is the conclusion, from someone who spends too much time analyzing flaws? You never know when you will meet someone whose very life may depend on how you talk to them. Look for the good in the lives of your kids, family, and friends – and express words of encouragement often. In so doing, you'll help them more than you know!

Yatahey!

Chief Bald Eagle