Someone once said that “encouragement is like oxygen to the soul”. Each one of us thrives in an environment of affirmation and encouragement.
In contrast, no one likes to be in an atmosphere where we are being torn down or ridiculed.
Come on … who likes to work for a boss who only speaks to them when they have done something wrong? Someone once called that ‘seagull management’. They flap in, dump on you, them fly out. Not a very pleasant experience at all.
So think about what you are doing to those around you. Are you encouraging them? Are you lifting them up with your words?
Occasionally, I’ll sit at a funeral and listen to the eulogy or the tributes that are given and often think, “I wonder if that person knew those things when they were alive?” Don’t wait until someone dies to tell them what you appreciate about them. Take the time now to express your love and your affirmation for them.
Don’t just think good things about people. People cannot read your mind. Take the time, write a note, make a phone call, send a text, tell somebody how much you appreciate them today.
Encouragement – it’s a vital ingredient of all healthy relationships.
You can watch a video of this episode on the Soul Food with Mark Conner YouTube channel.