Comments on: That's Encouraging

By: Lauren

Lauren — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:26:05 +0000

I do this all the time and this has always been a big part of who I am, which is what makes me such a fantastic Doula and Reiki Master, if I do say so myself. Enjoying your site!

By: Rodney Olsen

Rodney Olsen — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:25:52 +0000

I think you’re right, Bosco, we should always look for ways to build people, not tear them down.

There are times that we have to deal with negative issues and we have to say some tough things, but it must be out of love for the other person, not a sense of superiority.

By: Bosco Peters

Bosco Peters — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:58:50 +0000

Yes – why is it so easy to give “put downs”?
Maybe we should have a personal rule:
at least 5 positives (10 positives?) to a person or group
before we feel we can say one negative?

By: Rodney Olsen

Rodney Olsen — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:25:39 +0000

Aili, that comment gave me goosebumps.

What an incredible opportunity to be able to spot leadership qualities and to encourage someone like that. I’m convinced that your words will have a big impact on that student.

By: Aili

Aili — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 07:52:41 +0000

I find encouraging people quite difficult. It makes me feel awkward and embarrassed and vulnerable, but because I know what an impact it can have on people I often force myself. I’ve decided that when I think a nice thing about someone (e.g. ‘That lady has a nice smile.’ or ‘That person handled that interaction well.’) I will tell them – not just think it to myself.

A few days ago the school at which I work was holding a NAIDOC Assembly and a senior Aboriginal student was organising some of the younger students before the Assembly. She was showing such leadership and control and calmness and I was impressed.

Later, when she came to return some school blazers I made certain to tell her that I’d been watching her in that situation and that it was so obvious that she was going to be a leader and that she’d impressed me. She was a bit embarrassed, but thanked me. One can never know if one’s words will have any impact on somebody’s life, but if you can encourage, and potentially speak joy and change and growth into someone’s life, the uncertainty and awkardness seems worth it.