Be encouraged, not discouraged! We just missed The National Day of Encouragement held yesterday September 12. This day is dedicated to encouraging and having a positive impact on those around us.
I like having one day to increase our awareness of encouraging others and to inspire us to put this into practice and actually be encouraging. But why stop at one day?
Let’s make this a daily discipline – try to encourage at least one person every day. Your words have the power to lift someone when they are down. They also have the power to motivate someone who might be struggling or encourage someone to pick themselves back up after a setback.
A small act of encouragement could be the spark that changes a loved one’s perspective. To praise and encourage someone’s efforts is a practice worth having, no matter the day of the year.
And just think: The day of encouragement follows Sept. 11, a day full of hurt, confusion and hopelessness. Sept. 12 seems an appropriate time to acknowledge the importance of coming together and encouraging others. Encouragement matters.
I learned that this special day, first began in 2007 and was started when a group of high school students attending a leadership forum were asked to come up with a solution to the biggest problem that faced young people in their day. They chose encouragement.
We too can choose encouragement. We all need hope. Now more than ever.
So look around today. Who could you surprise with a kind word, a few moments of listening, a smile, a card? Maybe it will be choosing not to have the last word in a discussion or taking the closest parking spot. Perhaps spending a longer time in prayer for people stirring in our hearts. Notice what others are doing and compliment them. Speak life-affirming words.
Remember one kind word of encouragement can changed someone’s day and even their lives.
Be an encourager today and every day.
Oh I love that there’s a special day focused on encouragement, Jean! I need to get one of those calendar that spells out all these unique and unsung days.
Always something to celebrate, always someone to encourage, always SOMEONE to praise.
Have a lovely weekend, friend. Blessings.
I love reading about these unusual and special days. They are good reminders and God nudges.
Thank you for highlighting Encouragement Day, Jean. I love that teenagers came up with the idea. Providing uplifting support for students is something we all can do, and it’s good to know it’s something they actually want and appreciate. Encouragement most often generates smiles and appreciation right back–a delightful blessing for the giver!
I was excited too that teens came up with this idea. I get so mad when someone generally puts down the next generations. I do have hope@
I was so despondent on September 11, and before that, at the Queen’s passing. Knowing that yesterday was the official day of Encouragement is so meaningful to me. But I’m with you, Jean; encouragement should never be limited to one day, but should celebrated at all times.
Blessings!
The Queen’s passing lowered my spirit too and I was in awe as the world celebrated her life, What a funeral and protocols to honor life.
AMEN!!!!!!!
thank you jean…you encourage me every tue…
Your presence and comments encourage me too