I search for the essence of people. You know, that intrinsic, irreducible element that makes them special. Essence only reveals itself in relationship, and as a verb. Of course, a verb is a word that expresses an action defining the connection between two or more people. Verbs have something specific to do, an impact to make, and life to share. Verb-Essence is so special that when it flashes from beneath the swirling dust cloud of otherwise messy humanity, you experience it in a profound and deep way. It’s there inside of a newborn baby, it’s there upon the face that wears a hundred years, and it’s there within every human being of every age. Deep on the inside, you have an intrinsic and indispensable quality that only you can bring to this time, and to this place. This is your essence! You definitely have it, and it’s right there, right about where you place your hand over your heart. Your essence gains expression in so many ways and now, it just needs a name. Breathe, ponder, and watch what you do that lights other people up on a consistent basis. Eventually, this laser-like energy will reveal its name, and your life will take on new meaning. You will join the “movers and shakers” of the world, and that’s a wonderful tribe to belong to. We always know who they are because they express essence, and essence always compels others with its graceful, life-giving power. 

Simple Encouragement and Simply Encouraging areTrademarks of Simple E Creations, Inc.

“You know, I think I’m going to make it through another day!” This is what I find myself saying when people ask the perfunctory, “How are you?” I like it because it seems to draw folks from a state of “minimum gesture” into maximum engagement. You have to admit, my answer does create a certain dissonance, like an odd chord in a beautiful symphony. Is it cynical, or hopeful? Is it flippant, or sincere? Is it dismissive, or reaching? The answers to these three questions depend upon the heart with which the statement derives, so here’s what I think. It’s hopeful because it has the entire day covered with victory. It’s sincere because it’s what I truly believe deep on the inside. It’s reaching since I think the statement ends with an invitation to share in an atmosphere of caring. Can we get any better than “hopeful of victory”, “sincerity of belief”, and “reaching that cares”? I genuinely do think I’m going to make it through another day, but it’s really more than that. I want to live my moments victoriously, faithfully, and deeply connected with others. How about you?

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

Is it good or bad? Right or wrong? Healthy or dysfunctional? The true answer can only come from one’s conscience and typically, if the question appears, then the conscience has already spoken. While these black-and-white questions seeking answers on the outside only cloud and confuse, there is a question that settles all arguments, once and for all, and it’s this. “Is it beneficial?” Are your thoughts, feelings, actions, and relationships beneficial to having a sense of peace deep on the inside? It seems to me that this grace-filled question carries with it empowerment that speaks “Life to potential, healing to pain, and light to darkness”. Is it beneficial? I love that question! It’s so gracefully guiding. It seems to love me and if you give it a chance, it will love you too.

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

I find such joy in sharing “Simple e-Couragements”, and it’s exciting to think that they are touching hundreds of people all over the world! “Simple e-Couragements” are gifts of love to all who receive them and in that, we share a wonderful connection. Here are some of my all-time favorites, each with a brief narrative to provide depth. Enjoy!

Hearts filled with courage can rise to any challenge.

I love this one! I think of the “heart” as the totality of our thoughts, affections, and purposes, all overlapping and infused with the power of our spirit. Encouragement happens when our anticipation, hope, and love dances with the hesitation, doubt, or fear of another. In fact, this is the magic place where courage appears! Encouragement is having "heart" for the other when the others "heart" fails.   

Encouragement animates people, and incites them to carry out their very best.

Simple Encouragement® will always animate something in another that reveals a gift, heals a hurt, or breaks a bonding fear. It’s just that simple, and it’s not difficult to do. When you have the opportunity, come on back and take some time to read about “The Simple Encouragement® Movement”. Just click on that pretty green button to your upper right. I think you will really enjoy what you find there.

You have resilience, resourcefulness, and drive that brought you victoriously to this time and place.

This one is very special to me. Think about it; there’s nothing that you have ever faced over which you didn’t ultimately prevail. You have something deep on the inside that has enabled you to endure painful losses, face scary challenges, and conquer seemingly insurmountable challenges. That makes you an incredible winner! 

Encouragement whispers “I love you” and never stops. 

I love encouragement. It’s such a powerfully quiet force, and I’ll prove it to you! With every person you meet, whisper “I love you” deep inside of your heart. Do this consistently for a month, and it will revolutionize your life! Love when you don’t feel like it. Love when the other seems unlovely. Love, just because you can! Believe me, you'll make a difference in the world, and others will love you for it.

Help those around you to be bright! After all, they are your reflection.

I think we have a responsibility for one another’s fulfillment. Oh, not in a codependent fashion, but in the sense that we are wise to conduct ourselves in such a way that predisposes the very best in those around us. If your loved ones are your reflection, what do you see?

Encouragement offers a graceful hand, and travels lightly with others.

Encouragement isn’t at all concerned with the big strokes or the ultimate outcome. Encouragement cares about the process, and making it loving in nature. Encouragement knows that if the process is loving, then the outcome will always be good. Encouragement watches for the very next step that another person is about to take, and makes sure that it comes down upon a foundation of grace. 

When we have been truly encouraged, it's a life-altering event!

I think that pretty much says it all!


And you are all my reason for being!

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

Most days, somewhere along the way, stress comes calling, and I struggle to just get back to “Thank you”. I know that in this special place, all is going the way of love, and everything is perfect. I know that if I can just get to back to “Thank you”, I’ll be fine. It seems that it would be so easy to get there, and to stay there, but it’s not. I won’t give up, and I hope this sharing will strengthen you in returning to “Thank you” time and again. Thank *you* for being here! *You* are my reason for being.

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

What’s the difference between a healthy person and an unhealthy person? A healthy person doesn’t let their “dysfunctioning” get in the way of their functioning. Yep, I said it, and I’m glad! Our growth depends upon our acting “as if” we are already grown. It’s as old as time, “Fake it until you make it”, and since it is as old as time, we sometimes miss the wisdom and the power of those words. Let’s face it, we’re all actors upon the stage of life, and we get to choose our roles! You have a sense of what a “functioning” person looks like, so you also have the freedom to act out the very best version of the very best you that you can be! You’re not captive to a conflict; you’re a free agent. You’re not a series of products or cures; you’re a beautiful process! Think about it, if twenty-grand cash was resting on you acting thoroughly happy, loving, and productive for a day, you just might be able to pull it off. That’s all, folks! Don’t let your dysfunction get in the way of your function! In fact, why don’t you hop on over to the Simple Encouragement® Facebook Page to share your thoughts on the matter. I’ll see you there!

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

It was one of those moments when I said, “Awwww, we’re just little fish in a great big pond.” Without hesitation my wife said, “Woohoo! We have room to grow!” And you know what? She was right! So here is my question to you. Right here and right now, where do you have room to grow? Come on, you know the answer! You just heard that tiny, little voice deep on the inside telling you exactly what you need to be doing differently, and precisely how to do it. My simple resolution this year is to get real comfortable with “that voice”. In fact, I’m even giving myself a “double dog dare” to do a lot of what it says! How about you?

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

Do you ever make statements that even you have to examine to see if they make sense? It happens to me, a lot! Here is a recent example. “If it’s become an issue, then it’s an issue!” Let me explain. Do you know anyone who ignored those extra pounds of weight until they morphed into a diagnosis of high cholesterol, diabetes, or a heart attack? What about parents who intend to find time for their kids tomorrow, but have to bail them out of Juvenile Hall today! Have you ever seen anyone neglect their spirituality until they receive “the call” that a loved one is in ICU, and then they struggle to find prayers that prove their faith? In all three examples, the real issue is the denial, busyness, and neglect that led up to “the” issue. See what I mean, “If it’s become an issue, then it’s an issue!” First, there is twilight, then there’s dusk, and then it gets dark. Sometimes, it gets very dark. So, what issues are you missing while they’re still in the twilight or dusk stages? Just as I’m “speaking light to darkness” for you, please pass the favor along. We all need a friend who’s got us covered. What do you think?

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

I used to work for a man who seemed to have no sense of vulnerability whatsoever. Speaking in front of hundreds, no problem. Confronting tough issues, easy. Being personally attacked, whatever. Of course, his seeming invincibility brought a huge problem in relating, and the glaring flaw was empathy. When we discussed his intimidating effect upon others he would invariably say, “I just don’t have a frame of reference for that”. I walked away from those discussions wondering about the emotional experiences and memories that I was providing for those around me. Let’s face it, we’re all a “frame of reference”, and we get to determine what that frame will be. Are we a “frame of reference” for hurt, insult, and shame? Or are we a “frame of reference” for love, hope, and encouragement? One way or the other, with every interaction that we have, we’re going to have an impact. As people walk through the door of your life, what are you treating them to? What “frame of reference” will they carry with them as they walk back out again? 

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

Sometimes we feel bound by fate. Other times we claim free will. It may seem like we’re powerless, yet power can flow from our release. Why do we cling to “either/or” when we can have it all? Can you hold the tension of loving someone you’re angry with? Do you dare to give it away when you feel like you don’t have enough? Life is far too clever to be a paradox. I try to choose “the mystery of both” because it sets me free! Encouraged people embrace mystery. They’re playfully comfortable with what they don’t know. They claim strength in weakness. They give and they love, just because they can. Encouraged people are mysterious folks! What do you think?

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