The personality behind this site is author, speaker, counselor, and photographer, Thomas Waterhouse.
Take a few deep breaths and really consider the following questions.
Simple Encouragement and Simply Encouraging are Trademarks of Simple E. Creations, Inc.
We all remember the attack of 9/11. It was incredibly traumatic and painful. Yet, more fell from the sky than those dreaded planes, and more came tumbling down than majestic buildings. Something much “higher” happened in the immediate wake of that darkness, and this is what I think. Love fell from the heavens, and our personal “walls” came tumbling down. “Their” hate morphed quickly into “our” growing love leaving the days and weeks after the tragedy very rich for our collective relationships. For a season of time, we actually became our “brothers keeper”. I fondly remember the incredible outpouring of love, tolerance, and Simple Encouragement® that came to exist between us all, and it all happened so naturally. Do you remember the sweetness of those times? We don’t have to wait for another national tragedy to embrace the Simple Encouragement® Movement. Perhaps we just need to reflect and remember the season of time when love fell from the heavens, and our personal “walls” crumbled to dust.
Simple Encouragement and Simply Encouraging are Trademarks of Simple E Creations, Inc.
In the midst of our discussion I said, “I think you might have Oppositional Defiant Disorder”. Without a pause, she shot back with, “No I don’t”. We laughed. Sometimes relationships are just that way.
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 shared.
Simple Encouragement and Simply Encouraging are Trademarks of Simple E Creations, Inc.
Simply Encouraging® Stories & Narratives to Brighten Your Day, and Make Your Relationships Bright!™
I was kidding my friend about his brother and mom. I said that I was going to write a blog titled, “Jack Doesn’t Like Me, But His Mother Does”. It’s a long, funny story but it made me think. How often do we get “hung” up” on someone who doesn’t prefer us only to lose the sweetness of enjoying someone who does. Do you do that? Sometimes I do, but you know what? I think that in his own odd way, Jack likes me just fine.
Simple Encouragement and Simply Encouraging are Trademarks of Simple E Creations, Inc.
“I have a bully living inside of my head.” That’s what a bright young woman told me as I pointed out how hard she was being with herself. The truth is, we all have that nagging voice between our ears and while it’s mostly normal, it can become pretty intense at times. So what do we do? Well, there’s a deeper voice that’s loving and encouraging. If you breathe deeply and listen closely, you’ll hear it! It’s right there about where you put your hand over your heart. And the bully? He’s not going anywhere so learn to love him. One day, he might be your friend!
Simple Encouragement and Simply Encouraging are Trademarks of Simple E Creations, Inc.
I was telling my friend about someone who was “getting on my nerves”. It’s always a mistake to give voice to the “negative”, and I knew it immediately when he said, “Your friend gets on your nerves because you’re YOU”. I laughed and said, “Yeah, that’s about right!” So, who’s getting on your nerves these days? And yes, that IS a trick question!
Simple Encouragement and Simply Encouraging are Trademarks of Simple E Creations, Inc.
A woman came into my office and was clearly anxious. I could tell by the way that she “worked” a rubber band she had brought with her to the session. She incessantly stretched it, pulled at it, and wrapped it around her fingers in an effort to appease her tension. We worked intensely and through it all, I lost awareness of the rubber band. Finishing up, I said goodbye at the door and wondered if our work together had any impact whatsoever. As I turned back into my office, I looked at the table near where she was sitting and there it was, the rubber band! Sometimes measures of success can be very subtle. Do you take time to acknowledge the subtle measures of your success?
Simple Encouragement and Simply Encouraging are Trademarks of Simple E Creations, Inc.