As I hear the difficult and painful experiences of others, I listen closely for their “narrative”. A narrative is a deeply embedded story with a beginning, a middle, and an end. Woven through the narrative is a theme made up of core conclusions about one’s self, life, and relationships that have emerged as a result of the challenge or hurt. As you might expect, depending on the amount of pain, the theme can become a rather limiting tune to which one dances for a very long time. I listen closely to the stories I hear because every painful narrative begs a new ending that is fresh and expansive. Every story of hurt is seeking a positive tune to which its essence can begin to move, and we’re a part of the dance! We become a part of this wonderful process by simply listening to the story with a heart that cares. If we’re listening for “the deepest desire of the heart”, then we’ll know instinctively when to ask a brief but powerful question, and the question is, “And now?” You see, the story is being told in the first place because it’s an “incomplete experience”. The question “And now?” invites a brand new theme that satisfies with a victorious note of closure, once and for all. Whatever you’re dealing with from the past, or challenged with in the present moment, I ask of you, “And now?” Fill your answers with playful sounds of love, hope, and positive outcomes. It’s your life, dance joyfully!

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

Some of the most powerfully encouraging statements begin with two simple words, and the words are  “I notice...” “I notice” says so much. “I” means my essence, my heart, and the whole of me. “Notice” implies an active desire to seek, “to know”, and to connect. “I notice...” says that “The heart of me cares to know the essence of you”. In fact, “I notice” that you’re on my website reading these thoughts, and that’s simply encouraging! Thank you so much for being a part of the Simple Encouragement Movement. I hope that you’ll take your loving heart, these two simple words, and make an incredible difference in someone’s life, sometime soon!

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.

As my friend told her mom about a recent interaction that we shared, her mother said, “He’s kind of like a brother to you”. I thought that was pretty cool because I do love my friend, you know, kind of like a sister! And now I’m thinking about how sharing love and simple encouragement creates a network of special people, kind of like a family. My friend is kind of like a “sister”, which makes her beautiful daughter kind of like a “niece”. Of course, her wonderful husband (who is actually kind of like a “brother”) is now also kind of like a “brother-in-law”. And because of all this her mom is, well, kind of like a “mom”! Isn’t love cool? New life and “kind-of-like” families always flourish where love is expressed. Be real. Be encouraged! Oh yeah, and enjoy your “kind-of-like” network of families. I sure do. 

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