Have you ever heard the phrase, “We feed off of each other”? I have, at least a gazillion times throughout the years. It means that two people feast on the negativity of one another, and then recreate it in never-ending and destructive cycles. So, what’s the remedy? That’s easy! Use the very same statement, but subtract the words, “off of”. What’s left is this. “We feed each other!” You see, relationships will always be about giving and receiving energy. Ideally, we take in energy from our positivity-giving habits, and then feed others with it as love and caring. If we’re busy overflowing with nourishing “food”, then we’re not as susceptible to feeding "off of" emotional garbage, and getting sick from it. Do you have a loved one who frustrates you from time to time? You probably do, because that's life, so remember; you have a fundamental decision-point to deal with every time the cycle begins to occur. You can feed off of it, and get sick, or you can feed them with higher love, and the two of you will thrive. I know this seems hard, but feast upon positive stuff, and then keep your "feel good" energy flowing by “feeding” others with it. Always be prepared to love. Love when you don’t feel like it, love when the other seems unlovely, and love, just because you can!

Simple Encouragement and Simply Encouraging are Trademarks of Simple E Creations, Inc.

Simply Encouraging® Stories & Narratives to Lighten Your Day, and Make Your Relationships Bright™!

Lamenting his academic failings, I looked at him, and said, "Because ‘I’m @Encouraging’ (and a bit sarcastic), I would give you at least an F+ for your efforts." He immediately shot back, "Doesn't a ‘plus’ ruin the integrity of an ‘F’?" We both laughed, paused, and then staring at each other for a moment, I swear we were both thinking the same thought. "Inside of a person who thinks THAT quickly, THAT way lives an A+ student!" I decided to say it out loud, speaking “Life to potential,” and he appreciated the gift. Always remember, deep inside of our F+ struggles is an A+ something waiting to emerge. Seek it, find it, and when you do, give it a great big shout-out!

Simple Encouragement and Simply Encouraging are Trademarks of Simple E Creations, Inc.

Simply Encouraging® Stories & Narratives to Brighten Your Day, and Make Your Relationships Bright™!

Life is an ongoing process of discovery, so we’re constantly experiencing situations we’ve never faced before. For me, there doesn’t seem to be a day that goes by that I’m not presented with a brand new challenge! This is true for all of us, and while we rarely feel prepared for the next new thing, consider this. Has there ever been a challenge over which you did not ultimately prevail? I didn’t think so. Even though it doesn’t feel this way at times, deep inside, we have everything we need to live on the winning side of the street. In fact, you have resilience, resourcefulness, and drive that brought you victoriously to this time and place. This will always be the truth for your life, so embrace it, and live confidently!

Simple Encouragement and Simply Encouraging are Trademarks of Simple E Creations, Inc.

Simply Encouraging® Stories & Narratives to Brighten Your Day, and Make Your Relationships Bright™!

Placed on a waiting list, chosen to be “first choice” in the “second round” if someone dropped out, she said, “Oh great, now I’m the best of the worst”. A few weeks and an attitude adjustment later, she happily announced her own acceptance, to which I said, “Well, now you’re the worst of the best! Is that progress?” She laughed. So, what is the moral of the story? Despite appearances, our worst situations should be filled with positive anticipation. Look at your life as it is right now. Would you consider yourself “the best of the worst”, or “the worst of the best”? I hope neither. Remember, everything changes. Your life is a process that ebbs and flows, and only your judging makes it seem “good” or “bad”. In fact, judging can stop fresh victories from flooding into our lives when we need them the most! It’s always too soon to say whether it's “good” or “bad”, or “best” or “worst”, so be thankful for what you can in your present circumstances, and be passionately hopeful! Victories are always waiting to break through, and your attitude can determine their estimated time of arrival. I hope you’ll give that some real deep thought.

Simple Encouragement and Simply Encouraging are Trademarks of Simple E Creations, Inc.

Simply Encouraging® Stories & Narratives to Brighten Your Day, and Make Your Relationships Bright™!

Spring is a time of renewal when new life is budding everywhere! Yet, with all of these blossoms, and their promise of harvest, we must never forget the quiet roots that work through the dark seasons, providing strength for the blossoms to emerge and say, “I’m alive!” For every fresh victory blossoming in your life right now, there have been many “quiet root encouragers" along the way. Please take time to remember them, and to sincerely thank each and every one. “Thank you” is that special place where encouraging “quiet roots” and hopeful blossoms smile at the mysterious connectedness of life, and enjoy the harvest it brings.

Simple Encouragement and Simply Encouraging are Trademarks of Simple E Creations, Inc.

Simply Encouraging® Stories & Narratives to Brighten Your Day, and Make Your Relationships Bright™!

I've challenged so many people to leadership throughout the years, and very often, this is what I hear. "They won't let me lead!" What?!? Since when does a leader need permission to lead? I understand that leadership brings resistance, because leadership invites change. But if we serve and love out of an inspired vision, the resistance relaxes, and identification with the vision we're moving towards begins to take hold. We become less, the vision becomes more, and then, the mission completes itself. See, isn't that easy? All it takes is radical commitment, years of precious life, relentless hard work, seasons of loneliness, unwavering faith, laser focus, incredible love, grueling sacrifice, and ultimately, the willingness to become invisible to that, which is greater. Our culture is desperately hungry for leaders that serve and love. Any volunteers? 

(And in case you’re wondering, what you just read applies whether you’re a friend, spouse, parent, politician, CEO, or the president of a country! Read it again from your particular perspective, and you’ll see what I mean).

Simple Encouragement and Simply Encouraging are Trademarks of Simple E Creations, Inc.

Simply Encouraging® Stories & Narratives to Brighten Your Day, and Make Your Relationships Bright™!

If we receive praise, it's a good day. If we receive criticism, then it's a better day! Think of it this way. We get to refine ourselves through feedback, and when it comes to criticism, sometimes what feels like a bad day can really be a good day, although we may not know it until much later. If uncomfortable mirrors are being held up for you to look into today, don't wait until tomorrow to realize that this isn't necessarily a bad day after all. Get busy putting what you're learning about yourself into action, and make it a very good day, right now!

Simple Encouragement and Simply Encouraging are Trademarks of Simple E Creations, Inc.

Simply Encouraging® Stories & Narratives to Brighten Your Day, and Make Your Relationships Bright™!

What makes you happy? People love that question, and typically they lean gleefully into the answer. I know you’re ready to make your list, kind of like getting ready for Santa’s lap, but wait! Let me encourage you to throw away the pen and paper, erase the “hard drive”, and consider this. Sometimes we can be so demanding of what we think will make us happy that we totally miss what really will. Sometimes we can be so demanding of what we think will make us happy that we can make ourselves downright miserable. Perhaps for today you can just relax, and let IT find YOU!

Simple Encouragement and Simply Encouraging are Trademarks of Simple E Creations, Inc.

Simply Encouraging® Stories & Narratives to Brighten Your Day, and Make Your Relationships Bright™!

It’s often subtle, and we can easily miss the event if we’re not trained to look for it. This “main feature” is “now showing” in people all around you, and the event is “striving”. From the most ambitious “go-getter” to that so-called “lazy bum”, EVERYBODY has a stirring deep inside that desires to move them beyond themselves. I am certainly trying to escape “me”, and I believe that you are trying to escape “you”. We all yearn for this “great escape” to immensity, but we can’t do it alone. Just as we watch for a baby’s first step away from “babyhood”, so we should always be vigilant for that budding progression in others, as subtle as it might be. And at the slightest sign of someone’s emerging to the next level, we should call it by name, and open our arms wide to it, with smiles and celebration! One way I “escape me” is by striving to support others in their transcendence. Why don’t you give it a try! You’ll be less of you, and more of something far greater if you do.

Simple Encouragement and Simply Encouraging are Trademarks of Simple E Creations, Inc.

Simply Encouraging® Stories & Narratives to Brighten Your Day, and Make Your Relationships Bright™!

If you want to be lifted up, look up! I know that might sound "religious" to some, but here’s what I mean. The next time you’re walking along outdoors, stop for a moment, bend your head way back, and look straight up at the sky. Here are some of the things I notice when I do this. My eyebrows lift up, my eyes open wider, and lots of light comes rushing in! I feel the muscles in my face stretch in such a way that when I look forward again, I feel like smiling. I notice my neck and trapezius muscles relax, showing me that tension was there. Of course, the sky itself is always sensational! Today, it was crystal clear, and deep blue, almost delicious looking. Look up! Do it lots. It’s free, and the benefits are incredible!

Simple Encouragement and Simply Encouraging are Trademarks of Simple E Creations, Inc.

Simply Encouraging® Stories & Narratives to Brighten Your Day, and Make Your Relationships Bright™!