Receiving words of encouragement. Can we measure their VALUE? In my own life, it is a wonderful gift when I have experienced both the timing and content of a genuine word of encouragement.
Source: Creator Jess_the_VA on Pixabay
I cannot speak for any of my readers. For me, it does not seem to be random. Or by chance. Rather I am left with a sense of divine intervention. As though ...
I am definitely
not alone
I am definitely
... with whatever my private thoughts of discouragement or despair might be.
Nope.
Somehow people who are complete strangers to me are prompted, at just the opportune time, to give out a selfless, genuine word of encouragement.
-
Yes, the adjective
genuinehas been used twice. Yes, it was intentional, as you will see.
What corollaries do we find in life, that help reinforce being an encouragement to others?
Being Kind
We most likely have all received words of encouragement that just did not ring true. Why? What has been your experience with those who are actually flattering us instead of encouraging us?
In my introduction to this post, I have used the word gift. Based on giving. Being a giver. What purpose does flattery serve? Isn't the flatterer after something? They are not giving to you! No. They want something from you!
How can we discern the difference? Well, a practiced flatterer can be quite deceptive, but I would say there is something about a key word which has been helpful to me.
Kindness. Is the word of encouragement coming from someone who just seems to project an aura of kindness? You somehow know they are being generous and selfless? Genuine?
Source: Creator Prawny on Pixabay
To me, being around people who are kind just comes through in a way which is hard to put into words. We want to be discerning, as there are certainly people with less than honorable intentions out there.
If a person is being kind to you, I think that filters out most if not all of them!
Being Supportive
Words are nice. Followed by actions? Doesn't that reinforce the value of encouragement? Even if only a gesture like putting your arm around someone's shoulder or giving them a thumbs up?
Source 1: Creator GulArt on Pixabay
Source 2: Creator eazy-web on Pixabay
I think so. It certainly is so with me.
Actions seem to reinforce and underscore how genuine and sincere the words of encouragement were. Without any associated action, words alone still leave you more vulnerable to the niggling little thoughts that maybe they were just attempts at flattery or manipulation or worst, as discussed above.
Certainly interacting with people on the Hive blockchain is mostly through the means of exchanging words. Which can be nicely illustrated with images. Actions though? Well, we understand the limitations of just sitting in front of a computer screen versus interacting with people in real life.
At least, I hope none of us lose sight of that.
Finding the Free Compliments Community
While I have no specific memory of what led me to it, I can easily say that finding it was instrumental to my final decision to consider writing on the Hive blockchain myself.
Source: Creator thespudwitheyes on Pixabay
Life is tough. While I consider myself an optimist, I typically add another word. Realistic. In other words, I am a realistic optimist. It is nice to find a community, faced with the real life challenges all around us, that tries to provide a contribution to a sense of happiness and well-being in others.
As I have done my best to convey here in my first post, I do not know that it is possible to objectively measure the value of encouragement. I can only say what most likely any one of us can say, who have marveled at the impact of what happens on any given day, when we receive some.
It is
invaluable!
What is your view of encouragement? What value has it had and does it have in your life?
Best wishes, until we meet again,
QT
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