Day 1: Slice of Life -- Encouragement

In this business, encouragement, reward, and praise are words we, as adults, rarely focus on for one another, yet those are the same words that if triggered, motivate us, get our engines revved, and keep us going. I have found that when complimenting adults, sometimes the other person is almost even taken aback, or because I sometimes have the incorrect tone, the person thinks I am being sarcastic (when I am not). Why is it hard for us to hear positive comments?

I have a colleague who pours out compliments in random times in texts or in person. Every time she shares something with me, my chest is a bit raised, and it becomes the highlight of my day. How can we create this for everyone every day? What if we were someone's token bucket filler? 

At the beginning of the school year, we are trying to build relationships with students and colleagues, and kindness is in abundance. By November, the gratitude journals and thankfulness messages are strewn throughout the holiday season, yet when the New Year hits and the cold weather, we seem to freeze up. Work piles increase, stress escalates, and smiles diminish. Complaints and discouragement echo throughout our days. How can we rise above this and continue to press on? 

I know a few techniques I have used to help me stay positive.

• Put things in perspective. Is this as bad as what someone else may be going through? Will it truly matter in 10 years?
• Bite my tongue. When others start in with negativity, do I have to join in?
• Compliment or serve others. When I feel my lowest, I try to do something nice for someone else.
• Spill my guts and move on. Sometimes, I word vomit to a close friend, and then, I do not let it keep me down.
• Remember that every day is a new day. How can I start my new day and keep it better than the day before?

Lastly, you matter. You are awesome. You are unique and specially designed. You have talents, gifts, and flaws, and they make up the amazing entity of you! You have a purpose, and I hope you have discovered how to put it to good use. If nobody has told you in a while, we like having you around. You are loved.

P.S. I hope you find someone to encourage today. He/she would probably really appreciate it.