A Few Encouraging Words

Have you ever seen a child’s eyes light up when told he’s done a good job? Or when he’s trying to do something for the first time—like tie his shoes, climb a tree, or ride a bike—and his parents say, “Keep going! You can do it!”  

Children need encouragement. But, that need doesn’t fade when little boys and girls grow into adult men and women.

My husband and I watched the new TV show Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition which airs Monday nights on ABC. The show documents amazing makeovers of eight super obese people who set out to safely lose half of their body weight in one year. Each segment shows one person going through the yearlong stages with the help of nutrition expert and trainer, Chris Powell.

The debut followed 21-year-old Rachel, who not only struggled with her weight, but with gaining her family's support in her new lifestyle. At the end of the year, she’d lost around 200 pounds. Amazing!!! Especially when you consider that we complain how difficult it is to lose 5 or 10 pounds.

I don’t believe she could have done it without “encouragement” from her trainer. Someone who kept telling her over and over that she could do it.

Here’s the thing. Everyone needs encouragement now and then. Whether it’s to keep working toward a weight-loss goal, finding a job, learning something new … or just getting through a difficult day.

Giving encouragement costs us nothing but the few seconds it takes to utter the words. But those words can alter a person’s day, perspective, and ability to continue pushing forward. Those words can be affirming and in some instances, even life-changing.

Be alert and always mindful of ways you can encourage people today, tomorrow, and every day. With just a little effort, you can make a difference in someone’s life.

Dawn