Spontaneous Encouragement

Encouragement is a strange and funny thing. Where do you go to get encouragement? Which is more encouraging, the encouragement you seek out, or the encouragement that comes spontaneously?

Lately I've had a couple of brushes with the later version. The first came when a good friend of mine stopped by to tell me that these early posts were actually really good and that he was truly enjoying the daily read. That wasn't planned. I didn't go seeking out that kind of encouragement, but it worked. I was encouraged. It lifted my spirits and fueled my desire to move forward and do more. I was experiencing success, but only recognized it after receiving his encouragement.

The second came as I heard second-hand about a collegiate commencement exercise that took place over the weekend. Apparently one of the graduates was filled with celebration, completely overcome by the emotion of the experience. To a currently enrolled student in attendance who noticed this emotional celebration, it became a moment of unbridled encouragement to persevere in the midst of her own studies.

One of these events was intentional, the other was not, but they both were spontaneous moments of encouragement that served to reignite a passion or desire. We all need these moments to energize and refuel us, which is why we go in search of encouragement during difficult or trying circumstances. There's nothing wrong with that, but these spontaneous moments of encouragement seem to pack more emotional punch. They're unexpected, and that's what makes them powerful.

Exercise your power today by encouraging someone spontaneously. The added passion and intensity they put in as a result of your encouragement will be well worth it.