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 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.

Sometimes we feel bound by fate. Other times we claim free will. It may seem like we’re powerless, yet power can flow from our release. Why do we cling to “either/or” when we can have it all? Can you hold the tension of loving someone you’re angry with? Do you dare to give it away when you feel like you don’t have enough? Life is far too clever to be a paradox. I try to choose “the mystery of both” because it sets me free! Encouraged people embrace mystery. They’re playfully comfortable with what they don’t know. They claim strength in weakness. They give and they love, just because they can. Encouraged people are mysterious folks! What do you think?

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

I’m thinking of the things that people “try to be”. Whole industries are built upon them. Fortunes are made! Think about it. People “try to be” happy. Folks “try to be” motivated. Do you ever “try to be” important? What about those who “try to be” powerful. Here’s a good one. Do you “try to be” good? Well, if logic serves me, I have some really bad news for those who “try to be”. You can’t! If you “attempt, strive, and endeavor” (try) then you’re going to find it difficult “to occur naturally, or remain as before” (be). You simply can’t “try” to “be”. I mean, if you “try to be” and you only end up frustrated then I have to ask, “Why try?” Oh, please, don’t get me wrong. The process of becoming is a beautiful thing! It’s graceful and it occurs almost imperceptibly, kind of like a flower growing in a beautiful field. Yet, the flower only reaches for the sun out of the nature that was in its seed. The flower never strays from the root that gives reason for its being. So here’s the point. No matter how much you try to change by any means, it can only be real if you continue to “remain as before”. Yes, really ponder that one. We all have a seed of “essence” and if we receive it, embrace it, and enjoy it just as it is, it expands by giving us graceful doses of “try”. This is the process of becoming, when the “be” within comes naturally into fullness through telling us where to “try" in some small way. Our job is to listen closely, and then follow naturally. I think this makes sense. What do you think? 

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.

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.