enough but can be made be more difficult if one has to relate to friends
and family who are less than supportive and encouraging. Many choose not
to share their plans but some, out of necessity, have to disclose decisions
which are not always popular with others.
It is important when you find yourself dealing with a lack of encouragement
and support to reach out to others when you feel the need to have someone
reassure you that you have made a good choice, that you can keep the
committment you have made with yourself. Leaving your old comfort zone,
even if it was not really where you wanted to be, is hard enough, and not
knowing how things are going to turn out can also be distressing especially
in the face of questions such as, "do you know what you are doing!!?".
Below is an article which describes the importance of giving and receiving
support and encouragement. Never underestimate the value of a smile or a
hug, or kind words of caring. A hug or a touch of the arm can reduce many
hardships and make another feel comfortable again. A smile is a universal
sign of happiness.
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Encouragement--Everyone Needs It
By: Katheryn Hoban
Everyone needs encouragement. So many people in this world
feel discouraged, pressed in, cornered, unworthy, unlovable,
or completely overwhelmed by the circumstances of their lives.
You can make a difference in one moment if you will honestly
and sincerely encourage them.
Let them know that they are capable, that they can do the task
before them. Adults, children and senior citizens all need to be
encouraged. One way to do this is to talk with them, give them a
clear picture of how you see them doing something well. Give them
your vision when they don't have their own. Be gentle.
Encourage one moment and empathize the next. Let them talk about
their dreams and how they used to be or in moments when they felt
strong. Sometimes it is necessary to be firm or decisive about the
positive picture that you hold of them. Don't waver in your thoughts,
be sure that they will be able to do what they want and do it well.
Encourage them to do it one step at a time. Praise these little
accomplishments.
Encourage them to something a little more challenging. Keep recalling
that vision of strength for them. Encourage the positive in them; don't
let them have a self-pity party. People may not know what they want to
do, and it is not your job to tell them what they should do. But you can
encourage them towards what they like to do, what makes them joyful, what
makes them feel strong and empowered. You can encourage them to make choices
that feel better for them.
You can encourage anyone exactly where you are. If you are in school,
or if you are working, find the positive right there. Sometimes a smile
is all it takes. If they are feeling down, a hug can do wonders to make
someone feel worthy or lovable. You can encourage with your words and your thoughts, by listening, by being a sounding board, by leading them with
your own actions or way of being.
When you need to be encouraged, come to me, or go to another person who
can offer encouragement to you. Don't go to anyone whom you know will
condemn your actions or judge you. Go to the people with vision and strength
of their own who are making some positive impact.
Every creature on this planet can be and needs to be encouraged at one
time or another. Be that person who encourages others. Encourage with
kindness, with love, by examples,with praise, with your words. It is as
simple as saying You can do this. To encourage is one of the greatest things
that you can do for someone. This doesn't mean that you do their work for them.
For anyone to become everything for which they are capable they have
to do it. They have the opportunity to embrace a new choice, a new way
of being, and they have to walk through it. You can be with them every
step of the way. You can uplift and strengthen by your words of encouragement.
Also remember to encourage yourself. I know you can do this. Come on now,
you can do this. One step out is all it takes to transform a situation,
or yourself.
Step after step consistently will bring you into a new place. Only
you or I can take that first step, and the second and the third. Sometimes
you are the only person with words of encouragement for someone who is doing something outstanding or great. Great teachers or mentors need encouragement
too; they can doubt themselves sometimes. They wonder if they are making the difference, or if they are doing enough. It's not easy being the odd man out
or to stand up and have convictions about something when everyone else is going along with the crowd. If you don't have any words to say, a touch on the arm
or shoulder, a pat on the back, a smile, or a spontaneous gift can go a long
way.
Find ways to encourage someone. Do so sincerely. Receive encouragement
yourself. Be open to moments when you can impact someones life in a positive
and gentle manner, or a profound way. I encourage you to embrace your life,
and reach every height that you can! YOU CAN DO IT!!
Yoga Kat teaches children's yoga ages 3-6, 7-12yrs
and Adults in NJ. The Author of the book DAUGHTER BELOVED
and created a children's affirmation CD and an adult
affirmation CD. Available for speaking and reached at
yogakat@verizon.net or 201-970-9340--COMING SOON -
http://www.thecircleofpeace.com
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be happy, be well,
Zoe
-_-
I wish all those doing the Master Cleanse much success~~~!