I used to work for a man who seemed to have no sense of vulnerability whatsoever. Speaking in front of hundreds, no problem. Confronting tough issues, easy. Being personally attacked, whatever. Of course, his seeming invincibility brought a huge problem in relating, and the glaring flaw was empathy. When we discussed his intimidating effect upon others he would invariably say, “I just don’t have a frame of reference for that”. I walked away from those discussions wondering about the emotional experiences and memories that I was providing for those around me. Let’s face it, we’re all a “frame of reference”, and we get to determine what that frame will be. Are we a “frame of reference” for hurt, insult, and shame? Or are we a “frame of reference” for love, hope, and encouragement? One way or the other, with every interaction that we have, we’re going to have an impact. As people walk through the door of your life, what are you treating them to? What “frame of reference” will they carry with them as they walk back out again? 

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

I listen for evidence of subtle passion and unrecognized talent. I experience others with the goal of discovering those very characteristics, unique and special, that they barely see as anything more than their typical routine. I spoke with a woman who loves the quiet solitude of painting nature scenes. For her, painting is transcendent, and the process makes her whole. She told me how people love her creations, and she declines their considerable offers of money to possess them. For her, it’s just what she does in life, as if everyone is capable of the very same talent. When I suggested that she set up an online studio so everyone could buy and enjoy her work, she seemed disoriented, telling me that people wouldn’t like what she does enough to spend money for it. Clearly, she didn’t even hear what she had just shared! Today, she conducts a successful art concern, doing what she loves, and thrives at it. If we’re willing to connect with others in a spirit of loving engagement, everyone has these incredible diamonds in the soil of their being, just ready for mining. And guess what? You have the gift to give the “gift”! I wonder if you really knew that.

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

From where I write at my desk, I look out of the window at beautiful treetops, clear blue sky, and bright sunshine. It’s truly a wonderful scene. Looking down, I see a small turnaround lane for emergency vehicles, and it bothers me when people occasionally park there. I think it’s because it detracts from the nature view, as well as the practical reason for its existence in the first place. As I was working, I noticed a car parked right there; you got it, in the emergency lane! I wrote, struggled with the car, wrote some more and then struggled even more in an ever-deepening cycle of distraction over “those inconsiderate people”. I mean, after all, what if my house was burning down or something! I finally got up (perhaps to discover if I could smell smoke or see flames) when I heard some voices coming from downstairs. It turns out that my wife was talking with a friend who had come to visit, and get this; it was the friend who had left her car parked “right there” in the middle of my serenity! And to add insult to injury, it turns out that we were the infamous “inconsiderate people” of my misguided imagination. I thought to myself, “Thomas, you’re sure a ‘funny’ person”, but wait! Before you entertain even one more thought, please allow me to interject that I think you’re “funny” too! Hey, we’re all “funny” people. I’m ever-learning to simply relax and “enjoy the ride” with all of my “funny” friends. Care to join us?

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

There’s a special sunlight that wants to shine through our lives to warm others, but we’re in charge of the “cloud cover”. On some days we can be “hazy”, letting people know the sun is there, but that it won’t be breaking through our fuzziness. This creates a state of “gloomy”. On stressful days, we can be “dark and stormy” complete with thunder and lightening. This leaves people to wonder if the sun exists at all, since it creates a state of “angst”. On better days, we can be “fair and bright” accentuating the sun with a contrast of deep blue sky and billowy white clouds. This creates a state of “let’s go outside and play!” Look over the days ahead and forecast the conditions that you want to create. Like the proverbial “weather man”, you won’t be perfect in your predictions, but you’ll have more “clear and sunny” days if you take the time to make a forecast! Remember, a special light wants to shine through you providing warmth to the world, and that’s a very special mission. Help those around you to be bright! They are your reflection.

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

Stretches of beach compel me to walk along their waters. Mountain peaks call me up craggy trails to their panoramic summits. The full moon whispers me out of slumber in the middle of the night to gaze at its majesty. Nature is an encourager that compels, calls, and whispers to us in subtly activating ways.  Nature understands that “encouraging” is a verb, and consistently stimulates us towards actualization. Encouragement is a quiet power full of life, healing, and light and when we encourage others nature’s way, we will always stimulate them to positive action that exceeds their view of who they are, and what they can bring to the world.

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

One of my greatest accolades is from a revered professor saying, “Thomas listens, and he hears too!” What wonderful praise for a “budding healer” to receive but alas, it was "just" encouragement. It spoke to a surface observation that he had made, but there was more. This grand man had looked deeply into my being, and his words brought out a gift I barely knew I had! The words coming out of our mouths are important, but the heart speaks quietly of the hidden potential, buried hurt, and shameful fears that it cares to notice. When these delicate observations are expressed, deeper connection occurs! We encourage when we observe, and say, "Good job". This is good, but it’s not intimate. Simple Encouragement® seeks to know and to be known, and therefore it’s a deeply intimate activity. Simple Encouragement® cherishes others, and studies them in their deepest parts. Its goal is to speak life to potential, healing to pain, and light to darkness. This will always free others for their highest good! Encouragement gives courage for the task; Simple Encouragement® gives life for the journey. It’s just that simple.

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