“Continue to be who you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness.” ~Maya Angelou
It’s easy to allow life’s hard times to warp us into someone mean and hard, but choosing to continue to be ourselves with all of our kindness intact is a powerful way to prioritize healing and to astonish the world around us as we do.
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“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” ~Maya Angelou
Whose day can you brighten today? Small acts of kindness can go a long way! And you just might be surprised at how much those acts of kindness brighten your own day as well.
Image by Albrecht Fietz from Pixabay
“Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life and repeat to yourself the most comforting words of all; this, too, shall pass.” ~Ann Landers
“This, too, shall pass.” Sometimes that truth is the most strongest encouragement available to make it through life’s hard spots.
“To give someone a blessing is the most significant affirmation we can offer.” ~Henri Nouwen
We often underestimate the impact that our words have on those around us, and yet our words have incredible power to do good or ill.
When we choose to use our words to bless others, we offer them a powerful mix of encouragement and support wrapped in a prayer for their well-being. Given how powerful this use of words can be, it’s sad how seldom we choose to engage in this practice.
It can feel a bit awkward at first, as anything new does, but it’s a relatively easy habit to pick up. Next time you find yourself about to offer good wishes that start with “I hope you …” (… feel better, … have a good day, … get the result you want), rephrase it to “May you …” (… feel better, … have a good day, … get the result you want) and watch their face brighten as the blessing lands.
You just might be surprised at how much it means to them … and just how good it feels to offer. It’s such a small habit to develop, and it has such powerfully positive results. Try it for yourself!
May you find great joy in the practice of offering blessings to those around you this coming week!
“When you encourage others, you in the process are encouraged because you’re making a commitment and difference in that person’s life. Encouragement really does make a difference.” ~Zig Ziglar
Think about the times when you’ve received some encouragement that perhaps gave you the strength you needed to overcome an obstacle, reach a goal, or just keep moving in hard times.
The impact of that encouragement can be profound!
And yet, I’ve often found that the giving of encouragement to another winds up encouraging me as well. Just witnessing their heart be strengthened and revitalized does the same for my own.
Encouragement is something so easy to give, yet we often get so busy that we don’t take the time to make in a regular practice.
Who might you offer some encouragement to today? You may be surprised at the difference it makes in their life … and in yours!
