You know that you’ve arrived when you become a verb. Of course, a verb is a word that expresses an action defining the connection between two or more people. Being a positive and proactive verb is a wonderful thing since “verbs” tend to leave endearing legacies. I used to be Thomas, but thanks to the social medium called Twitter, that has changed. When I actually get voice-to-voice with someone I meet in the “Twitter Stream”, I’m just as likely to say, “Hello, I’m Encouraging” as I am to say, “I’m Thomas”. You see, my “handle” on Twitter is @Encouraging, and that’s what I do over there. As the noun Thomas, I certainly exist with some interesting roles and job descriptions but when all is said and done, just what is a “Thomas” anyway? You see, nouns lack the deeper being or essence of a verb, so I’m thrilled to have become Encouraging! As Encouraging, I am the principal player at Simple E Creations, Inc. and the sole brain trust of the concept, brand, and worldview called Simple Encouragement®. Simple Encouragement is a simply encouraging way of being that relates to people by speaking life to potential, healing to pain, and light to darkness. As Encouraging, I stimulate others to grow, heal, and become real in their day-to-day humanity. Sometimes we encourage others when we nudge them from their stagnant noun-roles into vibrant missions reserved only for “verbs”. Have some fun discovering the verb-essence of others, and then give them a new name! You’ll see them morph into dynamic change-agents and if you think it through, that makes you a significant voice for positive change in the world!

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.

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.

I see increasing numbers of people who actually feel that there’s something wrong with them because they’re not happy enough, prosperous enough, or “present” enough. I call it “Happiness Induced Guilt Syndrome” (HIGS) and it’s becoming pervasive. People are feeling the unsustainable burden of “New Thought”, “Positive Psychology” and the “Law of Attraction”. “Happiness” is a new “god”, being “rich” is the coveted prize, and everlasting “presence” without past regrets or future fear is the emerging standard of emotional well-being. I absolutely believe that we should be ever orienting towards the beauty around us. There’s no doubt that it’s worthy to organize our energy around prospering in hope, gratitude, and love. Yet, can pursuit of such high commodities be real or good if they stress people out of their humanity? As essential to life as it is, drinking enough water can kill a person, so you get what I mean. No matter how diligent we are at cultivating the positive, and we’re wise to do so, we’re always going to have those seasons of tension and negativity. These states of “emotional poverty” will always be with us, but I think that we get through them quicker if there is a sense of their “okay-ness”. If we have special people around us to speak a light of acceptance and love into those dark corners when they emerge, then we come back to the light in a natural way. Personally, when I’m “there” I don’t want to be “fixed” by someone telling me to be grateful, happy, or to visualize unreasonable stuff. I just want someone to give me HUGS as I suffer through my HIGS. You see, at Simple E Creations, Inc. we don’t want to make you into anything. We just want to love you in the space that you’re in, providing fertile ground for a life force within you that seeks to rise. We’re here simply to speak life to potential, healing to pain, and light to darkness knowing that cherishing love puts courage into the hearts of others. “Hearts filled with courage can rise to any challenge", and it’s just that simple. To learn more about the Simple Encouragement® Movement, mosey on up to that pretty green button to your right, click on it, and then take a look around. I think you’ll enjoy what you experience over there.

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.

I conducted an informal poll asking, “What's your favorite form of encouragement?” Here’s a sampling of the responses I received... A smile, someone showing authentic interest by asking questions, a simple “Hello”, hugs, hearing music, someone letting you know that you’re significant to them, a genuine “Thank you”, feeling someone’s prayers, hearing a funny story or joke, being recognized for making a difference, and gestures of compassion. You see, encouragement doesn’t require degrees, titles, or mystical understandings; it simply requires a heart that cares enough to touch a heart. Hearts filled with courage can rise to any challenge, and you can provide that “special boost” that enables someone to finish their race and change the world! Go ahead and review the list, and then get out there and make a difference! It’s easy to be simply encouraging.

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.