What’s the difference between a healthy person and an unhealthy person? A healthy person doesn’t let their “dysfunctioning” get in the way of their functioning. Yep, I said it, and I’m glad! Our growth depends upon our acting “as if” we are already grown. It’s as old as time, “Fake it until you make it”, and since it is as old as time, we sometimes miss the wisdom and the power of those words. Let’s face it, we’re all actors upon the stage of life, and we get to choose our roles! You have a sense of what a “functioning” person looks like, so you also have the freedom to act out the very best version of the very best you that you can be! You’re not captive to a conflict; you’re a free agent. You’re not a series of products or cures; you’re a beautiful process! Think about it, if twenty-grand cash was resting on you acting thoroughly happy, loving, and productive for a day, you just might be able to pull it off. That’s all, folks! Don’t let your dysfunction get in the way of your function! In fact, why don’t you hop on over to the Simple Encouragement® Facebook Page to share your thoughts on the matter. I’ll see you there!

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

Do you ever make statements that even you have to examine to see if they make sense? It happens to me, a lot! Here is a recent example. “If it’s become an issue, then it’s an issue!” Let me explain. Do you know anyone who ignored those extra pounds of weight until they morphed into a diagnosis of high cholesterol, diabetes, or a heart attack? What about parents who intend to find time for their kids tomorrow, but have to bail them out of Juvenile Hall today! Have you ever seen anyone neglect their spirituality until they receive “the call” that a loved one is in ICU, and then they struggle to find prayers that prove their faith? In all three examples, the real issue is the denial, busyness, and neglect that led up to “the” issue. See what I mean, “If it’s become an issue, then it’s an issue!” First, there is twilight, then there’s dusk, and then it gets dark. Sometimes, it gets very dark. So, what issues are you missing while they’re still in the twilight or dusk stages? Just as I’m “speaking light to darkness” for you, please pass the favor along. We all need a friend who’s got us covered. What do you think?

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.

One of my favorite personal quotes is, “True love is curious, and cares to the point of action”. This is because I think of love as a verb, so in my mind, love has two action qualities. First, true love searches souls with incredible curiosity. You know, kind of like headlights cutting through the darkness of a misty night, revealing all kinds of unseen things. Another word for this is “cherishing”. Second, true love connects with others in a spirit of loving engagement. It takes action in words or deeds. True love is an attitude of loving engagement, so it not only notices, but it also wades in and gets its hands dirty! Everyone thinks of themselves as a “loving person”, but here’s the test. At the end of any given day, can you look back over your shoulder and find love’s revelation in the terrain that you covered? Begin to do this exercise, and make a list each evening. As the list begins to grow, your sense of personal significance and worth will skyrocket to incredible heights! I promise.

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

When I work with groups, I often do an exercise in “Proactive Self-Definition.” It’s a moving experience that helps people become more aware of the inner guides that shape their lives. I ask people to think of that one person from over the span of their entire lifetime that they would most like to be like. I love to watch the reflections in their eyes, and waves of emotion crossing their faces as they arrive upon the “one.” 

I then ask them to give me five descriptive words or phrases that would tell me how this “most special person” treated them. I often hear adjectives like “loving,” “gentle,” and “caring.” Typical comments are “They really knew and believed in me,” “They were always there in the tough times,” and “They accepted me, no matter what.” Very often I hear these people described as “heroes,” “angels,” and yes, “leaders”. 

”Isn’t that interesting? The people that these folks are subtly patterning their lives after didn’t necessarily have important titles, big salaries, or large offices with degrees on the wall. Many of these leaders had no semblance of authority whatsoever yet, years later, they continue to wield great influence in the lives  of those that they touched. 

There’s a term for this kind of leading influence, and it’s called Simply Encouraging Leadership. The ability to influence someone’s highest expression over time is the essence of this unique form of love. Simply Encouraging Leaders cherish people in the context of intimate relationships. Rather than standing above others, they seek to know, and to be known. It’s through this knowing that Simply Encouraging Leaders not only cheer up and praise, but speak “life to potential, healing to pain, and light to darkness” for those around them. Because they genuinely love, Simply Encouraging Leaders are able to bring “life, healing, and light” to the hearts of those entrusted to their care. 

Simply Encouraging Leaders walk with the people they lead, shoulder-to-shoulder, and they are prone to see more in others than they see in themselves. They build people up in a way that brings out their hidden talents and gifts, and they are present in ways that heal limiting emotional wounds. These “heroes” offer acceptance and grace that breaks the bondage of shame that creates a glass ceiling on the expression of one’s greatest spirit. 

What I am describing is a worldview that I call “Simple Encouragement®,” and Simply Encouraging Leaders do it instinctively. Through this special way of being and relating, Simply Encouraging Leaders leave behind “giants” that change the world, and their only legacy may be a “sacred home” in the hearts of a handful. And if you really think about it, that’s a legacy that would leave anyone resting in a very sweet peace. 

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

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 the vibrant essence 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.