More than a state of gratitude within oneself, “Thank you” is a statement of deep connection with another. “Thank you” conveys humility, surprise, and perhaps a little bit of awe. After all, it’s always “awesome” when someone delivers on our desires before we’re fully aware of their existence. “Thank you” acknowledges that, “I let go, and your love took hold!” It’s a statement of childlike excitement, celebrating the giver as much as the gift. Yes, I think it’s better to give than receive, but think it through. What better gift is there than “Thank you” expressed from a heart of delight?

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 seems happy, connected, and free of care. Yet in the midst of it all, there are so many people 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, because 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. In this season of spiritual light, so many people 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. And think about it, perhaps cherishing love is the greatest gift that you could ever give to anyone! In this special season of light, shine a light. In the year to come, BE the light!

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

I love the idea of “mutuality” in relationships. For me, being “mutual” implies “an exchange of persons” where “I am yours, and you are mine”. If something troubles you, it will trouble me. If something troubles me, it will trouble you. My heart senses your desire, and your heart senses mine. I’m clearing the way before you take the next step, and you help to guide and protect my steps as well. This isn’t codependency where there is a loss of self and a confusion of boundaries, it’s cherishing! Mutuality is a “state of being” where healthy and aware egos set themselves aside to serve one another. It represents a condition of love where there is absolutely no room for fear. Mutuality is a value where each gives one hundred percent, and no one keeps score. This is the level of care I want to provide for others. This is a level of care I desire for myself. May we all be inspired to aspire to this kind of love.

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

My friend called early to ask how things were going, and I told him, “Oh, I’m off to a cynical start on yet another broken day”. He laughed and said, “Great, ‘Mr. Simple Encouragement’, I dare you to blog about that one!” Given that I’ve been dubbed “a cynic to tradition” I thought, “Sure, I can do that!” So, inquiring minds want to know. When is the last time you went for a twenty-four hour period without someone or something frustrating you, hurting you, ticking you off, or generally letting you down? Just as I thought, yet another broken day. I know that all the days of our lives are precious, but each one holds a wrinkle of brokenness right out of the box. And you know what? We’re supposed to be ready to iron out those wrinkles as they appear, and we do this by giving forward the “right stuff” as the sun comes up. You know, “stuff” like understanding, grace, compassion, and acceptance. There’s even a name for it, and I call it “fore-giveness”. Here’s how it looks in “real time”. Ooops! There’s that fender-bender caused by the other guy. Covered with understanding! Someone just made a mean-spirited comment. Covered with grace! A hurting person just appeared from nowhere sending my whole schedule sideways. Covered with compassion! My vacation starts tomorrow and the forecast is rain. Covered with acceptance! You see, love in all its forms is the warmth that smoothes out the wrinkles that come with everyday life. At some point in the next twenty-four hours, you’re going to have a wrinkle, guaranteed! Just remember to apply the loving warmth you started with this morning and if you do, you’ll make it all just a little bit smoother for you, and for everyone around you. Always keep in mind that warm, forward-giving love will always make for smooth sailing, even upon the stormy seas of our otherwise broken days. 

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.

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’m thinking of the things that people “try to be”. Whole industries are built upon them. Fortunes are made! Think about it. People “try to be” happy. Folks “try to be” motivated. Do you ever “try to be” important? What about those who “try to be” powerful. Here’s a good one. Do you “try to be” good? Well, if logic serves me, I have some really bad news for those who “try to be”. You can’t! If you “attempt, strive, and endeavor” (try) then you’re going to find it difficult “to occur naturally, or remain as before” (be). You simply can’t “try” to “be”. I mean, if you “try to be” and you only end up frustrated then I have to ask, “Why try?” Oh, please, don’t get me wrong. The process of becoming is a beautiful thing! It’s graceful and it occurs almost imperceptibly, kind of like a flower growing in a beautiful field. Yet, the flower only reaches for the sun out of the nature that was in its seed. The flower never strays from the root that gives reason for its being. So here’s the point. No matter how much you try to change by any means, it can only be real if you continue to “remain as before”. Yes, really ponder that one. We all have a seed of “essence” and if we receive it, embrace it, and enjoy it just as it is, it expands by giving us graceful doses of “try”. This is the process of becoming, when the “be” within comes naturally into fullness through telling us where to “try" in some small way. Our job is to listen closely, and then follow naturally. I think this makes sense. What do you think? 

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

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.