A few months ago I ran into a couple from my church whom I admire. The gentleman asked when I was going to blog again. He told me that he enjoyed my blog and looked forward to reading each post.
I was thrown off a bit because sometimes I have doubts about my writing. Who would want to read my words? Do I really have anything important to say? Does my voice even matter in the world of Twitter, FaceBook and millions of other bloggers? What do I have to say that is different than what's been said before?
On that afternoon, I realized that I need encouragement too. It's taken me awhile to compile this little post, but I've been reflecting on the amazing encouragers I have, and had, in my life.
Upon reflection, I realized that encouragement comes in many different components of my life. I am so blessed for the friends and family who encourage me to reach my goals; the little ones, and the big ones.
Here are just a few of the categories I reflected on: {Please let me know what other categories of your lives you feel encouraged in}
“A healthy body is a guest-chamber for the soul; a sick body is a prison.”
~Francis Bacon
Healthy Living: Let's face it friends, we live in a world of fast-food, processed junk and instant quick meals. We try to eat healthy, but life gets so busy that we use quick solutions. I'm sure we all know that the food we ingest has a direct effect on our attitude, outlook and physical well being. Having someone to hold us accountable for what we put into our bodies can make us feel better, look better, and often times can lift our spirits!
"A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence."
~Jim Watkins
Exercise: Unfortunately many of us lack the motivation to hit the gym or hop on our treadmills by ourselves. We need accountability. We need someone to commiserate with us early in the morning hours or after a long exhausting day. We need someone that shows us tough love and will motivate us to get off that couch and to do something good for ourselves!
"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." ~Proverbs 27:17 (ESV)
Spirituality: Are we growing spiritually? Are we finding time for personal study? Do we seek guidance, whether through our Father, or through inner reflection? Everyone needs some inspiration here, regardless of your faith or beliefs.
"But what we can do, as flawed as we are, is still see God in other people, and do our best to help them find their own grace." ~ Barack Obama
Relationships: We all think our perspective is "the right one." Our side of the battle field is the "good side." Whether in an argument with a spouse or a disagreement with a friend, there are times when a friend can show us both sides of a conflict or point out a flaw in our character. A good friend can tell you your flaws in grace and encourage you to be a better person.
“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” ~Mark Twain
Professionally: There are days we love our jobs and there are days we'd rather crawl back into bed. Often times it's our comrades that pull us through the day-to-day monotony, who are our cheerleaders on our toughest days, and celebrate our big and small triumphs.
“Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Dreams: Who knows our biggest dreams? What we want to be when we "grow up?" Our crazy ideas and dreams are often times counteracted with doubt and insecurities. We all need someone who encourages us to reach for our dreams; both big and small—and sometimes they help us discover what our dreams truly are! In fact, some friends may see that our dreams are too small and see something much greater for us.
____
Try to take time this week to think about all the people who encourage you. Maybe you have one person that fits each category, or like me, have many people who encourage you to be all that you can be! Take time to thank them. Take time to feed them with encouragement.
Who can you be of an encouragement to?
Blessings dear friends,
~JennMarie
PS. Thank you Jerry for inspiring me to write again!
Thank you to my many encouragers: My husband, Mom & Dad, my Mother-in-law, our siblings, cousins, mentors, and friends near and far. I would not be the woman I am today if it weren't for each of you! {I wish I could call you each by name, but the list would be rather large}
