Have you noticed all the difference that encouraging people make in our lives? I'm referring to people who inspire us to move forward with our projects, those who bring a positive vibe to our day just by being around, by setting an example of persistence, creativity or enthusiasm. It may even be a person that we never met face-to-face but we can still connect with him/her through his/her writing. It may be a friend, a writing partner, or an author that we like reading.
It may also be somebody who has passed away but whose legacy is still alive through his/her words. I appreciate writers whose stories or essays, even though written many years ago, have something meaningful to tell me today. The truths they share are as alive as they were in the past, and I feel they understand my thoughts and concerns as if they were my own friends. Have you experienced this too?
There are, on the other hand, people who are just the opposite. These people will take every opportunity to make us feel inadequate. They do this by underestimating our dreams or criticizing our choices because they don't understand them or don't care to understand them. I have encountered people like this lately-some of them are disguised as "friends"- and I think it is very healthy to stay away from them. (Depending on the situation we may not be able to stay away if this person is a coworker, but minimizing contact can help). I wish them well, of course, but I know I can't meet their expectations... and I don't have to.
The point of this ramble is to emphasize how positive people can have a great impact on our lives, how being surrounded by those who support our dreams and our choices can make a world of difference. I would love to read about your thoughts on this.
You are so right! We all need someone to pick us up during those moments of self-doubt.
ReplyDeleteI always find its better to encourage someone. It makes me feel good, too.
Great post.
This post connected with me Julia. I'm blessed to have had a positive mother like you describe, and now that she's gone I miss her encouragement and enthusiasm for life and people. I can't imagine what it would be like to have to live daily with a negative person who criticizes and demeans. I try to avoid these kind of people at all costs. As the saying goes, "With friends like this who needs enemies?"
ReplyDeleteRachelle: yes, thanks for commenting, and I agree with you. Encouraging others can make us feel good. Karen: thanks for sharing your positive experience with your mother. She is spiritually alive through your own behavior and the encouragement that you inspire in others. Your words are also a reminder of the "greatness" of my relationship with my own daughter and how cultivating a deep bond will also make a world of difference in her life, and in the way she will relate to others.
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