To just cope with life is sad because coping has burdensome qualities like “to struggle”, “to contend”, “to manage”, or “to just get by”. That sounds like mere survival to me. I suppose that compared to not facing our challenges realistically, then coping is a good thing. But living is more than just struggling to stay afloat in a sea of challenge. We might seem destined to a series of “fight or flight” choices all the days of our lives, but there really is a better way. My most effective “coping strategy” is simply to love. If you take some time to seriously consider that thought, it will revolutionize your entire life. Cope less, love more, acquire peace!

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.

The door to a near lifelong dream suddenly opened wide to me this week! Just as quickly the door slammed shut, the deadbolt turned, and I could hear the key being thrown away. I did what any normal, well-balanced human being would do... I raged against the truth! After the tantrum, I stood numb before the door, disoriented and confused. Fortunately, none of that took very long for me to get through. And now? Well, now I’m noticing the hallway. It’s incredibly long, it leads in different directions, and there is an infinity of other doors, that is, if I could just begin to imagine a new dream. I also notice that there are a gazillion other people here in the hallway, and we’re all the same. Some are joyfully leaping through the doors that are open to them, some are knocking on other doors in eager anticipation of their opening, and yes, some are raging, while others are numb. As for me, I decided to encourage those that are right next to me. That’s what we can always be busy doing in the hallway; speaking life to potential, healing to pain, and light to darkness for those around us. And you know what? While I will receive a new dream, I’m beginning to wonder... could it possibly be that the hallway is simply the place where I need to be working with all of my might for the rest of my life? Maybe, just maybe it is. And if this turns out to be the case, then what a wonderful ride I’m on!

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

Rhythm is a patterned recurrence of motion or sound. Music is full of rhythm, and it makes us "groove". The rhythm of the seasons is gentle and refreshing. The steady rhythm of a heartbeat is always a very good thing! But what about when rhythm isn't rhythm? As I listen to the ocean, I notice that there's nothing measured or predictable about the crashing of the waves. Big waves, little waves, and everything in between break at various intervals with a variety of sound, and there’s absolutely no rhythm whatsoever. Yet this random and unpredictable sound is incredibly soothing and relaxing. I think it's because the ocean's waves require nothing from us, except that we enjoy their nurturing melody. The ocean renders us pleasantly powerless, and its waves whisper, “All is going the way of love.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we accepted life with this very same grace?

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.