To listen,
really listen
to someone else’s troubles and concerns,
opens the door for support and understanding.
I think we all need encouragement in our lives,
even when we want to be an island
and exist independently
of what others think.
But once the realization that we are all connected settles in,
and we admit that we all need each other,
there’s really no going back,
and we also see that we are vulnerable.
I know someone like this . . .
a person who wants to feel he’s on top of things
all of the time,
and never admits
that encouragement
would not only make him feel seen,
but would also strengthen him as well.
I am mindful with him
and find little cracks
where I can insert just a whisper
that he is supported without judgement,
and that whatever he does
I am on his side . . .
Today
he allowed himself a little satisfaction
and a little joy. ♥
This morning I will try my best to encourage my son as he heads out towards another day at school where he is facing challenges including bullying and sensory overwhelm. I’m trying to find him a new placement, but we live on a small island with few resources. He’s doing a great job of muscling through, but it’s weighing on him and I am anxious to get him somewhere safer and calmer, where he can be accepted and comfortable.
I hope you have contacted the school and let them know of the bullying. I’m glad you are being pro-active and trying to find him a new placement – sending positive energy your way!
So glad to hear that he confided in you.
I delt with a situation with my daughter when she was in grade school and it was frustrating to confront the school but finally
it was witnessed and the child was expelled.
You are such a valuable support for your son,
dear Emmaleah,
and I am sure it makes him feel
as if he has a mountain at his back.
Perhaps
you could use a little encouragement as well,
and connect with some resources you didn’t know about.
You are dealing with something very hard,
and I hold you close
for the love and bravery you have for your son. ♥
One of my supportive co-workers is facing surgery. I can wish them well, offering support. Gentle weekend to all. Frost is here, time to save the geraniums and bring ‘em indoors. 🍁☮️
Encouragement: to give courage to, if we take it literally, and the word courage is rooted in the French word coeur, meaning heart. Giving heart to someone, which takes attention and presence.
I’ll be seeing one of my best friends tonight when she gets off work. I’m keeping her company on a Costco run. I’ll listen to what’s going on with her; one of her dogs has been ill and got a discouraging diagnosis from one vet, but good medicine that’s making a difference from another. Her dogs are getting old and this latest episode has been a reminder that someday she’ll be saying goodbye to them, so I’ll listen for what she needs.
I’ll also try to remember to listen to my husband for whether my encouragement is welcome. He’s dealing with a health issue I think he should go to the doctor for. “Encouragement” isn’t how my comments on that landed earlier this morning. The ones we want to encourage have to be open to receive it or it feels like something very different.
I am having coffee & a visit with my daughter today. She is going thru a very challenging time & is struggling. I plan to listen to her whole heartedly. Let her get it out. I don’t need to offer advice unless she asks for it. I want her to know her feelings are valid.
No judgement from me, just unconditional love.❤️
Encouragement means to “give hope or promise,” according to Miriam-Webster. This morning I don’t have the capacity to authentically give those qualities, but I can remain attentive and patient, and listen. I can do what’s in my capacity. I also liked this perspective of finding hope in hopelessness: https://www.lionsroar.com/finding-hope-in-hopelessness/
It’s a windy, cloudy, blustery day where I am. I think the weather reflects the way a lot of people in the US are feeling right now, one way or another. I will do my part to encourage and listen, to build bridges and provide compassion and peace where I can.
I’m going out with a friend today. I’ve always let myself recede in these situations. I will take a more active role by responding verbally to my friend.
I will attempt to keep my cynicism and negativity and passive aggressive bu%#*it to myself.
I will attempt to see the people I encounter and friends and family that I interact with, for their beautiful human potential.
After all, the way I see others, is just a mirror of how I see myself.
I read today’s quote and question and then I read Rosemerry’s poem for the day. Wishing it is encouraging to us all.
Self-Blessing by —Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer
I wish you the grace
to be quiet—the grace and
the time to lie quiet
in the still green grass
on a sundrenched day
and not go for a walk
in the radiant leaves,
and not write anyone back.
Not read a book. Not make
a call. Not plan whatever
comes next. Not do anything
at all but lie still and quiet
in the lush and still green grass
and let the earth do what
the earth does best, which
is receive whatever weight
comes. May you have a friend
beside you whose hand rests
in yours, and may you
say nothing at all, not
a single beautiful word at all.
For hours.
And when you rise, and
rise you will to reenter
the thrumming, clamoring
world, may you carry
within you all that quiet,
all that glorious still.
”Home, a holy habitation, a sacred space. We do not often stop to consider where we dwell, much less how it shapes us to move about in the world, for either good or ill. But somehow we keep searching for home, looking for a safe haven to reside and return.”
I think about ‘home’ quite a lot,
dear Carol Ann,
and found today’s Meditation
both comforting
and helpful.
Thank you for putting it up here. ♥
I walk a lot around town and I try to meet everyone with at least a smile, and try not to scowl at people. I think that actually helps because most people who are walking in this city are homeless and angry drug addicts.
You’re putting good energy out into the world, Louise. That matters. Seeing every person as a human being, not something to avert our eyes from, makes a difference.
Be present, be aware of others’ situations, act accordingly with encouragement. Makes me think of Stop. Look. Go. A weekend of watching lots of high school kids on the football field and the cross country course. Encouragement encouraged!🍁
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I am training a new co-worker and always let her know when she is doing well. There is a definitely a great deal to learn!
Another co-worker and I invited her to a company activity to make stained glass windows this week – was a nice bonding time!
I think it’s great you are giving positive feedback to your new co-worker!
To listen,
really listen
to someone else’s troubles and concerns,
opens the door for support and understanding.
I think we all need encouragement in our lives,
even when we want to be an island
and exist independently
of what others think.
But once the realization that we are all connected settles in,
and we admit that we all need each other,
there’s really no going back,
and we also see that we are vulnerable.
I know someone like this . . .
a person who wants to feel he’s on top of things
all of the time,
and never admits
that encouragement
would not only make him feel seen,
but would also strengthen him as well.
I am mindful with him
and find little cracks
where I can insert just a whisper
that he is supported without judgement,
and that whatever he does
I am on his side . . .
Today
he allowed himself a little satisfaction
and a little joy. ♥
This morning I will try my best to encourage my son as he heads out towards another day at school where he is facing challenges including bullying and sensory overwhelm. I’m trying to find him a new placement, but we live on a small island with few resources. He’s doing a great job of muscling through, but it’s weighing on him and I am anxious to get him somewhere safer and calmer, where he can be accepted and comfortable.
I hope you have contacted the school and let them know of the bullying. I’m glad you are being pro-active and trying to find him a new placement – sending positive energy your way!
So glad to hear that he confided in you.
I delt with a situation with my daughter when she was in grade school and it was frustrating to confront the school but finally
it was witnessed and the child was expelled.
You are such a valuable support for your son,
dear Emmaleah,
and I am sure it makes him feel
as if he has a mountain at his back.
Perhaps
you could use a little encouragement as well,
and connect with some resources you didn’t know about.
You are dealing with something very hard,
and I hold you close
for the love and bravery you have for your son. ♥
Thank you, Sparrow. Your words are encouraging for me today 😊
One of my supportive co-workers is facing surgery. I can wish them well, offering support. Gentle weekend to all. Frost is here, time to save the geraniums and bring ‘em indoors. 🍁☮️
Encouragement
makes all the difference in the world,
dear Carla.
Yes,
save the geraniiums. ♥
Encouragement: to give courage to, if we take it literally, and the word courage is rooted in the French word coeur, meaning heart. Giving heart to someone, which takes attention and presence.
I’ll be seeing one of my best friends tonight when she gets off work. I’m keeping her company on a Costco run. I’ll listen to what’s going on with her; one of her dogs has been ill and got a discouraging diagnosis from one vet, but good medicine that’s making a difference from another. Her dogs are getting old and this latest episode has been a reminder that someday she’ll be saying goodbye to them, so I’ll listen for what she needs.
I’ll also try to remember to listen to my husband for whether my encouragement is welcome. He’s dealing with a health issue I think he should go to the doctor for. “Encouragement” isn’t how my comments on that landed earlier this morning. The ones we want to encourage have to be open to receive it or it feels like something very different.
I love
how you write about encouragement,
real encouragement,
is heart work.
dear Barb.
I will remember this. ♥
I am having coffee & a visit with my daughter today. She is going thru a very challenging time & is struggling. I plan to listen to her whole heartedly. Let her get it out. I don’t need to offer advice unless she asks for it. I want her to know her feelings are valid.
No judgement from me, just unconditional love.❤️
That’s all you have to do,
dear PKR . . .
listen,
and love without judgement. ♥
PKR, unsolicited advice is the last thing we need. Often times, advice comes from a good place. It’s that right intention wrong action delemma.
The weather is getting cooler. I can share nature photos of fall wildflowers and changing leaves to help people feel warm and cozy.
Encouragement means to “give hope or promise,” according to Miriam-Webster. This morning I don’t have the capacity to authentically give those qualities, but I can remain attentive and patient, and listen. I can do what’s in my capacity. I also liked this perspective of finding hope in hopelessness: https://www.lionsroar.com/finding-hope-in-hopelessness/
What a great essay,
dear Drea . . .
I have passed it on
to someone who I know
will appreciate it.
Thank you . . . ♥
I’m glad you found it helpful, dear Sparrow.
It’s a windy, cloudy, blustery day where I am. I think the weather reflects the way a lot of people in the US are feeling right now, one way or another. I will do my part to encourage and listen, to build bridges and provide compassion and peace where I can.
I’m going out with a friend today. I’ve always let myself recede in these situations. I will take a more active role by responding verbally to my friend.
Continue to participate on the RLM Fellowship voice chat Angela introduced me on Monday that I’ve been enjoying.
I will attempt to keep my cynicism and negativity and passive aggressive bu%#*it to myself.
I will attempt to see the people I encounter and friends and family that I interact with, for their beautiful human potential.
After all, the way I see others, is just a mirror of how I see myself.
”…the way I see others, is just a mirror of how I see myself.”
Something to think about,
dear Charlie . . .
surely. ♥
I read today’s quote and question and then I read Rosemerry’s poem for the day. Wishing it is encouraging to us all.
Self-Blessing by —Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer
I wish you the grace
to be quiet—the grace and
the time to lie quiet
in the still green grass
on a sundrenched day
and not go for a walk
in the radiant leaves,
and not write anyone back.
Not read a book. Not make
a call. Not plan whatever
comes next. Not do anything
at all but lie still and quiet
in the lush and still green grass
and let the earth do what
the earth does best, which
is receive whatever weight
comes. May you have a friend
beside you whose hand rests
in yours, and may you
say nothing at all, not
a single beautiful word at all.
For hours.
And when you rise, and
rise you will to reenter
the thrumming, clamoring
world, may you carry
within you all that quiet,
all that glorious still.
Also, I found Richard Rohr’s meditation today helpful and hope many of you do also…
https://cac.org/daily-meditations/god-is-our-home
—Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer
*
It is one of the most lovely feelings,
dear Carol Ann,
what comes
after the stillness. ♥
Thank you, Carol Ann. So soothing, so beautiful. So encouraging to do what is best for us on any given day.🍁
Thank you for posting Rosemerry’s poem – I enjoyed it very much and will share with my kids and best friend.
”Home, a holy habitation, a sacred space. We do not often stop to consider where we dwell, much less how it shapes us to move about in the world, for either good or ill. But somehow we keep searching for home, looking for a safe haven to reside and return.”
I think about ‘home’ quite a lot,
dear Carol Ann,
and found today’s Meditation
both comforting
and helpful.
Thank you for putting it up here. ♥
I love Rosemerry. Read this poem 1st thing this morning. ❤️
Another Rosemerry fan here. I read today’s poem before coming to this site. This one gives me such deep peace.
I walk a lot around town and I try to meet everyone with at least a smile, and try not to scowl at people. I think that actually helps because most people who are walking in this city are homeless and angry drug addicts.
You’re putting good energy out into the world, Louise. That matters. Seeing every person as a human being, not something to avert our eyes from, makes a difference.
Be present, be aware of others’ situations, act accordingly with encouragement. Makes me think of Stop. Look. Go. A weekend of watching lots of high school kids on the football field and the cross country course. Encouragement encouraged!🍁