Someone encouraged you? If you are still running on the positive words spoken to you years ago, it’s time for something new!

I have been so aware of the number of people I know who are downhearted at the moment. Sometimes all it takes is a small bit of encouragement to help them keep going.

There is a plant I wanted to throw out yesterday as it looked dead. But today, it’s still there on the windowsill. My husband refuses to give up on it and says there is still life there. Considering my tendency to write things, including myself, off, I’m thankful that he has this hopefulness in him.

So don’t give up on yourself. Whatever your circumstances, however bleak things might feel, look for signs of life. They are there, I promise. If you can’t see a way out, stand beside someone who feels the same and say one good thing to pick them up. It will help you to help them. In the park last weekend, a man praised me for my speed on the trike. I didn’t take it as condescension, I welcomed it as encouragement. We have the power to choose how we respond to things. Use it to garner encouragement and don’t explain it away.

Don’t give up. I won’t if you don’t. You are fighting well and good rewards will come.

I have stopped counting people who are discouraged. Now I’m running out of fingers as I list the tiny shoots I see in my life, my family, my friends. I thank God for them all. See if you can do that too.