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, because 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 people 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. Speaking light to darkness is one aspect of Simple Encouragement®, and we illuminate the world just a little more with every small step that we take in that direction. As we give these Simply Encouraging® Gifts to others, we truly make spirits bright! 

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.

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.

I was talking with someone who had worked with a tribe in South America. He obviously loved those people and I asked him what made it so. He said, “They’re humble so they’re happy, and they smile all the time”. How profound! Humility knows instinctively that affirming the inherent worth of all people is the path to self-respect. In fact, humble people are more concerned with others and their needs than they are with their own. Humility understands that in caring for others, it will always be well satisfied. Humility is quietly proud and deeply secure in its being. In the quest for happiness, perhaps humility is the way.

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

We all need safe people around us. Safe people are self-aware. They immediately note their impact upon others, and they desire only to do good in the world. They seek truth, so their spirit is open and graceful. Their relationships reflect a natural "mutuality" so if something bothers you, it will be their concern. They truly believe that “I am yours and you are mine” but emphasize more of the “you” and less of the “me”. Safe people see your potential, and they celebrate. They see your hurt, and they nurture those tender places. Safe people see your dark side, and they love you into the light. They seek to “know” and to “be known”, and intimacy comes easy for them. Safe people speak life to potential, healing to pain, and light to darkness, ever bearing the mission of Simple Encouragement®. Are you a “safe person”?

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