Encouragement

Encouragement is just one word that means a lot. I looked up the word in the dictionary and there are three definitions.
1. The expression of approval and support
2. The act of giving hope or support to someone
3. The feeling of being encouraged

Over the last couple of weeks I have left comments on peoples pages wishing people a good day, to stay strong, tackle the hills or plow them down, conquer the beast inside, and so on. I have received comments back saying thank you for your support. People have said that they look forward to my frequent comments on their page or blog. People describe my comments as support, positive, nice, motivational, thoughtful, and encouraging. They tell me I am warm, positive, and inspirational.

You may ask why is this stranger giving me this support and encouragement when she doesn't know me? The reason is because I know what its like to not have any, to be alone, called names, and to have only negative talk coming in your ear. You ask how does she stay so positive? The answer is because I've had a lot of bad things happen in my life and still made it. So in short why sweat the small stuff.

I've been homeless, I've had my kids move away from me, had to walk 5 miles in 100 degree heat to and from work, walk in -20 with -40 windchill 2 miles to and from work, take buses moving across the country which meant having to leave stuff behind, grew up on my own with an alcoholic parent, and the list could go on.

You know what? When you have been through all that with no support and still make it you feel happy to help support others and tell them they can do it and make it. Cause if I can do it, you can too. I'm no super woman. I'm just a 28 year old female that has had to give her all her whole life. Right now I'm living off of $150 a week on unemployment and you know what? It could be worse.

I could have no roof over my head, no food in my stomach, no bus to get to where I need to go, no computer, no television, no radio, no phone, no clothes to put on, no shower to wash up, no bed to curl up in at night, no warmth in my home, no friends and the list could go on.

So you see when I'm sending my encouragement I'm saying its not the end of the world if you have to exercise or have a slip up. If you can go through the large things in life you can tackle anything. I'm telling you in case you are like me. You need to hear it now and then.

I encourage you to share your support and happiness. It will make you and the other person feel better.

I know one day God will look over my life and say job well done. Yeah there were bumps, but you were a kind and thoughtful soul.

All it takes is a little time to give some encouragement. Just remember