Be an Encourager!

There is nothing better than knowing an action you took had a positive impact on someone. 

If you know me, you know I love to make and send cards.  Over the years I have sent cards for your normal occasions, but more importantly I send them just because.  It takes a minute to write a personal note – to cheer someone, to send support, to acknowledge that they are important and valued.  You will never know the impact you can have on someone’s day.  And it makes you feel good too.

Several years ago I did a presentation and a women in the audience was uncomfortable being there.  Not in the session but at the full conference – it was evident from her body language.  She was uncomfortable walking into the room, interacting with others, and even participating.  Throughout the day I would chat with her, try to engage her.  I found out that this is the first conference she had ever attended and since I was with a group I had presented to many times, I made sure I introduced her to the other attendees, made sure she didn’t sit alone for meals and in general tried to make her feel welcome.  Upon returning home from the conference, I took a minute to send her a note.  Again, it was short but personal.  I mailed it and basically forgot about it.

About a week later, I received an email from her.  It made me stop dead in my tracks and I will admit that several tears fell from my eyes.  She told me her story – a story of abuse, bullying, and massive self-doubt.  And then she told me the positive impact my kindness had on her.   It deeply touched my heart.

So, if you think you can have no impact on others, or that taking a minute to let someone know you care, you are sadly mistaken.  We all touch those around us in different ways.  Your job is to make sure you touch it in a positive way.  Take that minute to write a note, send an email or make a phone call to let others in your life know you care.  Your reward may be having an impact on someone when they really need it or more importantly, may make YOU feel better.  Sharing your positivity will change the world around you…..one person at a time.