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.

To just cope with life is sad because coping has burdensome qualities like “to struggle”, “to contend”, “to manage”, or “to just get by”. That sounds like mere survival to me. I suppose that compared to not facing our challenges realistically, then coping is a good thing. But living is more than just struggling to stay afloat in a sea of challenge. We might seem destined to a series of “fight or flight” choices all the days of our lives, but there really is a better way. My most effective “coping strategy” is simply to love. If you take some time to seriously consider that thought, it will revolutionize your entire life. Cope less, love more, acquire peace!

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

Rhythm is a patterned recurrence of motion or sound. Music is full of rhythm, and it makes us "groove". The rhythm of the seasons is gentle and refreshing. The steady rhythm of a heartbeat is always a very good thing! But what about when rhythm isn't rhythm? As I listen to the ocean, I notice that there's nothing measured or predictable about the crashing of the waves. Big waves, little waves, and everything in between break at various intervals with a variety of sound, and there’s absolutely no rhythm whatsoever. Yet this random and unpredictable sound is incredibly soothing and relaxing. I think it's because the ocean's waves require nothing from us, except that we enjoy their nurturing melody. The ocean renders us pleasantly powerless, and its waves whisper, “All is going the way of love.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we accepted life with this very same grace?

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

I had an interesting awareness as I coordinated the recent activity of my bank with my computer financial program. I highlight each banking transaction and if it matches my computer ledger, I have to click the “accept” button in order to reconcile the activity. There were so many transactions the other day that I just kept clicking, and out of boredom, I found myself saying out loud, “Accept”, “Accept”, “Accept”. There was a transaction to IRS. “Accept.” Hey, the payment for my new iPad is showing up! “Accept!” Oh, it’s that time for the Homeowners Association dues. “Accept.” Wonderful, I transferred some money to savings for our vacation rental! “Accept!” It dawned on me that while I “accepted” every expense, I “agreed” to each one with varying levels of enthusiasm. In all of life, there is a vast difference between “accept” and “agree”, and it’s important to realize that “to accept” does not necessarily mean “to agree”. Like my checking account experience, we must often be “accepting”, but “agreeing” is optional. Acceptance is an attitude that something is believable and should be received as true, whether we agree or not. You know, kind of like my taxes. Certainly, we should always seek to change things for the better where we can do so without harm, yet there is so much in life that we are powerless to change. This is where the distinction between “accept” and “agree” is crucial. I have observed that we can do more harm to ourselves by resisting certain truths than simply accepting the truth itself! Acceptance respects truth, and always lives in peace because it has no demand for agreement. May we all find the empowered serenity that comes from honoring this important distinction.

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

Playfulness is a wonderful state of being that embodies freedom and ease. It knows no obstacles because its energy receives challenges with creativity and hope. The moral compass of playfulness is simple in its purity and love. Playfulness has a childlike nature that always maintains an outlook of innocence. Sure, some things in life are serious, but we don’t have to be afraid. Playfulness knows no fear because encouragement is its steady companion. If we engage the shadows of life with a playful spirit, our friend encouragement will always be right there with us, and hearts filled with courage can rise to any challenge!

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, since 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 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. Bringing healing to pain is one aspect of Simple Encouragement, and we illuminate the world just a little more with every small step that we take upon this healing path. I know; I know it’s a time for joy but as we endure the suffering of others, we more deeply honor the particular faith that we behold. In this, we become simply encouraging, and our hearts rise in ways that make us full and complete all year long. 

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.