The sun to shine on them.

The other day I had to look again to see the purple crocuses I knew were there in the back flower bed. The garden was in shadow and the flowers had closed up. It took a blast of sun to reveal them in their full glory.

Do you ever have times like that when you feel invisible, not seen? Most days when I’m writing I have to tell myself somebody, some day might notice. Every like or comment I get each week is worth more than gold to me.

It’s the same with my children. I have learnt that focusing on the positive works. Criticising never does. When my daughter is struggling with her violin, pointing out her mistakes leads to a massive melt down. Finding one part that sounds good and pointing it out makes her whole face light up and her playing improve. She came home today smiling because her music teacher had said, ‘for such a quiet person, you really speak through music.’ I know she will remember that for the rest of her life. Teachers can bring out the best and also the worst. No-one wants to see a child with their head down, fading away. Today I saw the opposite and I’m so very thankful.

In the same way, telling the dog off retrospectively changes nothing. I remember the dog trainer saying ‘do not reinforce bad behaviour’. ‘No’ might stop the dog one time, but ‘good dog’ gets them doing the things you want a lot more frequently.

Just like the crocuses, everyone needs the sun of encouragement. One ray of praise can change everything. If someone gives that to you, don’t shake your head and wave it away. Soak it in and smile.

Do you feel invisible at the minute? Or maybe someone close to you is trying their utmost but feels unnoticed. Think of all the cleaners, medics, retail assistants, bus drivers and many more who work everyday for no thanks. There are undiscovered heroes all round us, crying out for a little affirmation. When one person says one good thing, that can last for days. In fact, I can still remember nice things I was told years ago.

You see? A little encouragement can last even longer than sunlight.