Encouragement…

I’m thinking about the things I am grateful for as I get ready for bed. I can’t express enough how much it means to have a kind word of encouragement. Isn’t amazing that we all of have this enormous power for good within us? Of course belief starts from within, but it’s just so nice to have someone else come along and back you up.

Maybe that’s why I love teaching. I love being that voice that says, “Let’s try it.” or “Wow, look at what you’ve done here.” or “May I just give you a compliment?” My students all know that I believe in them. I think that understanding helps them to work so hard even when things are difficult. I think we could all take a lesson from the children in our lives. They know a thing or two about overcoming struggle and living joyfully.

Joy and struggle are two sides to the same coin, aren’t they? Today I pushed myself to get to spin at 4:30 pm and I did it. It was a struggle to make it out of school and to the gym on time. Usually, I let myself get caught up in work or a personal commitment. Not today! I feel really good about this. Plus, I am also rolling over 4 SmartPoints which also feels pretty fantastic.

I think dreams are just as important as reality. Having a dream to strive towards, is helping me to discover how much I can really do. I’m just so grateful I am figuring this out. I could have lived my whole life and never have known what I could become had it not been for my dreams.

If you have something you are dreaming of – keep it safe, keep it close to your heart. If you have someone in your life who has a big dream – be an encourager. Be the one who says, “Yes, you can do it.” The truth is, you can do it – whatever “it” might be. It just takes a lot of work and dedication. I guess the one question you have to ask yourself is, are you willing to put in the time it takes to make a dream happen?

Be the light, be the hope, keep the faith.