You might not have realized this about me, but I LOVE me some encouragement. It comes naturally for me to do and it's the way I feel most loved. Nothing makes me happier than watching women cheer for one another on social media when they could be jealous and bitter.
Nothing kills comparison faster than an encouraging word.
Ask me how I know ;)
Here are a few things I've learned as a "professional" encourager (that's a thing, right?):
1. It takes practice - so keep at it!
2. Do what works for you - hate writing letters but love baking cookies? Send cookies!
3. Don't feel like it? Do it anyway.
4. It will bless them - but it will bless you more
5. It's rare - you'll stand out from the crowd more for being encouraging than for being envious
6. Encouragement is contagious - the more you share, the more you'll be surrounded by people who encourage you
7. It's not easy - and that's ok
8. There is usually a hard story behind "her" success - cheer for what she's accomplished even if you envy where she is now
9. Not everyone gets to do everything, attend every conference, win everything - encourage them now so they'll encourage you when it's your turn
10. Take time to refill - spend time in the Word, be inspired, worship - so you can go back out and do it again
If you want to find the kind of community that encourages, cheers, and sends cupcakes, then be the kind of person who is known for doing that!
Thanks for this reminder this morning! I so needed to read this :) I find that when I am drowning in the comparison pool, it's usually because I haven't been in the Word or prayer enough lately!
ReplyDeleteI'm a firm believer in encouragement, Crystal. You list is spot on!
ReplyDeleteThis is so wonderful Crystal! I love being an encouraer too and get great joy out of it! It is funny because so many people just dont get that, but I feel so many of the same things you do! I will say that sometimes it is hard...sometimes there are days that i just don't feel it or I don't think I have the right words to say, but I rememeber why I do it and something clicks. NO matter what...If I can encourage one person..I have done what I set out to do in this world has God has so designed me too! This list is such a great reminder for the times when I am lost to spend time in prayer. sometimes I get so wrapped up on what I need to do...I forget about me and how powerful God is for me to continue to do so <3
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