encouragement

Congratulate Success

Backstory

My friend Elizabeth Cottrell just published a book about how handwritten notes have comforted, encouraged, and provided extraordinary support. Her book Heartspoken provides a guide to help readers improve the emotional support of their handwritten words.

Reflecting Elizabeth’s advice to write out encouragement, today’s Consider This show is about conveying best wishes on success. It recognizes the importance of acknowledging small triumphs as well as major joys.

Congratulate Success

A friend just bought a new house overlooking the Atlantic. I am so happy for her. It’s exactly what she wanted; a dream come true.

If I applaud her success and wish her well, and really mean it, then her success adds to my own happiness. Isn’t it great, how that works? Hers is a really big success.

But we are surrounded daily by lesser successes that can also be recognized and appreciated. Be sure to acknowledge the success of those around you. Don’t just assume they know you are proud of them. Tell them. Make a special call to give congratulations. Write a personal note. Friend, relative, child, colleague, or acquaintance, your congratulations will add immensely to their joy in success. Give kudos generously. They’re FREE! And they have such value to those who receive them.

Do it today. Find a reason to congratulate success. Even better, spread the word about someone else’s success. There is no finer form of flattery, especially when it is sincere And from the heart. Look for someone to congratulate today, and make it a good one.

P.S. Who has time to sit around writing notes? Here are some suggestions for creating time:

Mute the TV when serial commercials begin and write away.
Choose a greeting card that expresses what you want to say and write less by hand.
Put a clipboard and notepaper in the car. Write while stuck in heavy traffic.
Be motivated by how much you love the person you’d address.

[Show #264]

When Christmas Is Sad

Backstory

On my sad Christmases, I would write. The keys on my computer would fly. It might be spilling all my sorrow, putting my anger into words, shouting out the injustice of my circumstance. Others shed tears to cope. Some go away, avoiding the setting of their last happy holiday. Others return to that special place. Some folks are lost, seeking a means to calm the hurt.

Click to listen or follow below to read.

Christmas Sad – #123

There are times when Christmas is sad. You may be missing a loved one, or you may be far away from home, on your own, or you may be the one left behind with your loved one serving of a battlefield halfway across the world. Sometimes it helps to remember not only this sad Christmas, but all of them, stacked up in a row from childhood until now.

Considering all of the holidays in our lifetime, some are bound to be better than others. But, ah, the good ones were really fine. Think about them and you’ll simply HAVE to smile as you remember words and actions, laughter and love.

Take out photos and relive those times, so warm and loving. No one can take those precious memories away. They may be the greatest gift we were given. Once a good thing happens, it can always be conjured up again in your mind. It can always make you smile as you remember, relive and enjoy it all over again.

So this Christmas, whether it’s one of your best or not, may you have the comfort of memories of Christmases past and may you smile and enjoy them all over again.

Wishing you a Christmas with a peaceful heart.

P.S.

It’s so easy to become sour when holiday plans go awry or you are sad. You want to blame someone or take it out on somebody. Instead, do something for someone else – or a lot of elses.

Take over someone’s job so they can be home with family on Christmas.
Serve at a soup kitchen – dressed up nicely for the holiday.
Sit with someone who is ill, so the caregiver can be with family.

As the holidays rush upon us, don’t become the Grinch who stole Christmas. Help bring peace on earth to your little corner of the world, no matter what.

[Show #123]

The Sunshine Poem

Backstory

Some of the stories you hear on Consider This are written by someone else. Mason Jars by Amy was featured recently and had a tremendous response from listeners and readers. This week, we feature another piece by a listener. I wonder if Suzanne will remember this poem, written decades ago. Listen in.

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The Sunshine Poem- #455

Suzanne sent in a little poem that she wrote on May 10, 1991. For whom was it written? See what you think. It goes like this –

Grant me a little bit of sunshine,
Promise me a little bit of hope.
Have faith in me,
Even though you might feel that I’m wrong.
For if you stand behind me,
I know I can be strong.
And if you stand beside me,
I know I can succeed.

A beautiful intercession showing someone how important they are to the writer. A cry for understanding and acceptance. The words seem to echo what we all desire from someone we care for.

Listen again and let the words sink in.

I don’t know for whom the poem was written. But I can tell the person must be special to be called on to play such an important role In the life of the writer.

It was written more than 20 years ago. I hope Suzanne went on to write out more such thoughts. They are well worth considering

P.S.

Musing on Suzanne’s poem, I hope that the person she addressed did indeed stand behind her and beside her. It sounds like that person gave her strength and confidence. What a blessing to have someone like that in your life. I hope Suzanne was so blessed.

[Show #455]