Spring is a time of renewal both for nature, and for the human soul. This is a 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 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, 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. As we enter 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. Speaking light to darkness is one aspect of Simple Encouragement®, and we illuminate the world just a little more with every small step that we take in that direction. As we give these Simply Encouraging® Gifts to others, we truly make spirits bright! 

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

Psycho-Goop. It’s that infinitely complex space between people, and it keeps mankind in a befuddled state of relating. Psychology can’t seem to master it. Religion isn’t highly effective at reining it in. Physicians can’t medicate it into anything that appears rational, and we’ll never figure it out. Psycho-Goop is a mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved. Psycho-Goop smiles at love, and it frowns at fear. It laughs out loud with grace, and rages against judgment. When we dissect Psycho-Goop, relationships die. When we fill it with love, laughter, and acceptance then relationships shine like the sun. While we'll never figure it out, we CAN enjoy it, and I hope you will!

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

It’s that time of year when the days grow ever shorter and for me, there is a gentle turning within. This is always an adventure, quiet as it is. What will I discover in my reflections as the year rolls quickly to an end? A year of play and toil, laughter and tears, highs and lows, faith and doubt... and now? I love that question at the end of every road. Two simple words hold so much power to complete an experience in a way that binds or liberates our souls. We all have a deep responsibility to our “And now?” questioning. I hope you will fill your answers with love, light, and hope. 

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

A woman was telling me about her efforts to break an unhealthy habit. In the midst of her sharing she said, “I know what you’re thinking; ‘Dirty, dirty, little sinner!’” I had a good “belly laugh”, and she laughed with me knowing what I was laughing at. I said that I’m not even capable of thinking that way and I asked her, “Where did THAT come from?” She said kind of sheepishly, “I guess from me”. I think healthy relationships have enough love to tolerate imperfection, and to shine a soft light for the soul seeking to find higher ground. In fact, “light” is a characteristic of “Simple Encouragement”. “Simple Encouragement” offers acceptance and laughter as the context for our imperfect striving, helping us to become more perfect! “Simple Encouragement” fuels “perfection”. Be real. Be encouraged!

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

Think about it. It takes a second to conceive a child, and it takes a second to smile. A heartbeat is likely about a second, as is a breath. It takes about a second to say, “I love you”, and about a second to caress someone’s hand or face. And when all is said and done, it takes about a second to die. The “wisdom literature” tells us that eternity is set in people’s hearts, but for now, I am very aware of the ticking of the clock. Eternity is “big”, but seconds count.

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