I conducted an informal poll asking, “What's your favorite form of encouragement?” Here’s a sampling of the responses I received... A smile, someone showing authentic interest by asking questions, a simple “Hello”, hugs, hearing music, someone letting you know that you’re significant to them, a genuine “Thank you”, feeling someone’s prayers, hearing a funny story or joke, being recognized for making a difference, and gestures of compassion. You see, encouragement doesn’t require degrees, titles, or mystical understandings; it simply requires a heart that cares enough to touch a heart. Hearts filled with courage can rise to any challenge, and you can provide that “special boost” that enables someone to finish their race and change the world! Go ahead and review the list, and then get out there and make a difference! It’s easy to be simply encouraging.

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

I had an interesting awareness as I coordinated the recent activity of my bank with my computer financial program. I highlight each banking transaction and if it matches my computer ledger, I have to click the “accept” button in order to reconcile the activity. There were so many transactions the other day that I just kept clicking, and out of boredom, I found myself saying out loud, “Accept”, “Accept”, “Accept”. There was a transaction to IRS. “Accept.” Hey, the payment for my new iPad is showing up! “Accept!” Oh, it’s that time for the Homeowners Association dues. “Accept.” Wonderful, I transferred some money to savings for our vacation rental! “Accept!” It dawned on me that while I “accepted” every expense, I “agreed” to each one with varying levels of enthusiasm. In all of life, there is a vast difference between “accept” and “agree”, and it’s important to realize that “to accept” does not necessarily mean “to agree”. Like my checking account experience, we must often be “accepting”, but “agreeing” is optional. Acceptance is an attitude that something is believable and should be received as true, whether we agree or not. You know, kind of like my taxes. Certainly, we should always seek to change things for the better where we can do so without harm, yet there is so much in life that we are powerless to change. This is where the distinction between “accept” and “agree” is crucial. I have observed that we can do more harm to ourselves by resisting certain truths than simply accepting the truth itself! Acceptance respects truth, and always lives in peace because it has no demand for agreement. May we all find the empowered serenity that comes from honoring this important distinction.

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

Playfulness is a wonderful state of being that embodies freedom and ease. It knows no obstacles because its energy receives challenges with creativity and hope. The moral compass of playfulness is simple in its purity and love. Playfulness has a childlike nature that always maintains an outlook of innocence. Sure, some things in life are serious, but we don’t have to be afraid. Playfulness knows no fear because encouragement is its steady companion. If we engage the shadows of life with a playful spirit, our friend encouragement will always be right there with us, and hearts filled with courage can rise to any challenge!

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

Spring is a time of renewal both for nature, and for the human soul. This is the time of year when we see new life budding everywhere we turn! Yet, with all of these blossoms and the promise of their harvest, we must never forget the quiet roots giving them permission to be. For every fresh victory blossoming within your heart, there have been many encouragers along the way. Take time to remember and celebrate each and every one. This is the place where the hopeful blossom and the seemingly dormant root always hold hands.

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

As she spoke rather hopelessly of a bleak future her parents said, “You’re going to have a great life!" There was no demonstrable effect on the teen’s spirit. Having come to know her pretty well, I “tried my hand”. “You’re doing good in school on a tract that you love”. [Subtle grunt] “You’re involved in a group study and have a great relationship with your faith”. [Slight head-nod] “You take dance classes that passionately link you to your culture.” [Sits up straighter] “You have some close friends that you really enjoy and feel safe with.” [Actually looks up] By now her spirit was shifting, eye contact was forming and I said, “That’s an incredible foundation for a successful life!” She broke out in a smile and I thought that the discussion made a powerful distinction between encouragement and Simple Encouragement. The parent’s encouragement, though well-meaning, was only a vague prediction with no foundation, but they were eager to learn. My Simple Encouragement had a foundation in knowing coupled with the objective of speaking life to potential, healing to pain, and light to darkness. This is the intersection of relating where hope is born! Simple Encouragement always seeks to know and to be known, and from a foundation of intimate connection, it’s a powerful force full of life, healing, and light. Simple Encouragement always gives birth to hope!

As he tried to resolve an issue with his sixteen-year-old, she was surly and disappointed at her dad’s handling of matters. In the darkest moment of the discussion he said, “I know you’re frustrated, but this is the first time I’ve raised a sixteen-year-old daughter. Be patient with me, and we’ll get through this together”. The teen’s surliness and disappointment immediately gave way to openness and warmth. “Dad’s” humble statement conveyed a potential for resolve, empathy for his daughter’s pain, and hope for their dark despair. One loving interaction spoke life to potential, healing to pain, and light to darkness and this is “Simple Encouragement” at its best! “Simple Encouragement” always speaks life, healing, and light to difficult situations because it humbly seeks to know, and to be known. Deep down, we all crave this kind of loving intimacy and care.

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

To “cherish” means to tenderly nurture another. We do this because we think of them as having value. “Cherishing” nourishes a person with special caring that seeks to increase and strengthen them in every respect. One synonym for “cherish” is “encourage”, but cherishing is much deeper than praise or cheering up. Cherishing is an intimate form of connection that I call “Simple Encouragement”. It’s cultivating people from all of your heart, to all of their being. It speaks life to potential, healing to pain, and light to darkness. Isn’t this really the kind of relating that we all desire deep down inside? Practice “Simple Encouragement” today and you’ll be more fulfilled tomorrow! By the way, if you’re interested in learning more about “Simple Encouragement” then click on the green “Movement” button to your upper right, and enjoy what you find there.

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

I love “Eves”. “Eves” are very different from plain old “nights” or “evenings”. An “Eve” is the night or evening immediately preceding a special day. On the most popular of “Eves”, there is always a powerful energy of eager anticipation. “Eves” tend to bring hope of life, fresh starts, and new beginnings. “Eves” are infused with childlike imagination about the specialness of the day to come. What if we treated every single night or evening as an “Eve” that was about to give birth to the most incredible day of our entire life? I think that it would somehow revolutionize our whole existence. Remember that today is the “Eve” of tomorrow, so mosey along now, and do something special to celebrate!

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

This is the season of spiritual light where celebration and joy abounds. There are festive rituals with candles lit, colorful lights, gifts exchanged, and grand meals shared amongst family and friends. There is hope of reunion, reconciliation, and peace. Worship overflows from grateful hearts, and the heavens rejoice at the outpouring. For a season, everyone is happy, connected, and free of care. Yet in the midst of it all, there are so many who are suffering quietly. Oh, they go through the motions, complete with smiles and the just right words, but look very closely. There is a slight turning away when loved ones are mentioned, as they privately remember a loss. There is that subtle “glazing of gaze” when gifts are exchanged, since they feel shame over a hurting financial condition. Every now and then, there will be a slight tear shed for a broken relationship, quickly whisked away so as not to be a burden. As we enter this season of spiritual light, so many are suffering so deeply, deep within their souls. Please take time to notice, dare to give it voice, and care enough to lend a hand. Believe me, your joy will be deeper and more complete if you do. Bringing healing to pain is one aspect of Simple Encouragement, and we illuminate the world just a little more with every small step that we take upon this healing path. I know; I know it’s a time for joy but as we endure the suffering of others, we more deeply honor the particular faith that we behold. In this, we become simply encouraging, and our hearts rise in ways that make us full and complete all year long. 

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

One of my greatest accolades is from a revered professor saying, “Thomas listens, and he hears too!” What wonderful praise for a “budding healer” to receive but alas, it was "just" encouragement. It spoke to a surface observation that he had made, but I wanted to be known much more deeply by this grand man. The words coming out of our mouths are important, but the heart speaks quietly of hidden potential, buried hurt, and shameful fears, all begging to be noticed. When these delicate expressions are heard and reflected, deeper connection occurs! We encourage when we observe, and then praise what we notice. This is good, but it’s not intimate. Simple Encouragement seeks to know and to be known, and therefore it’s a deeply intimate activity. Simple Encouragement cherishes others, and studies them in their deepest parts. Its goal is to speak life to potential, healing to pain, and light to darkness. This will always free others for their highest good! Encouragement gives courage for the task; Simple Encouragement gives life for the journey. It’s just that simple.

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