Photo Credit: Jordi Huisman/Creative Commons
I ran errands yesterday and I was struck by how many sad, mad, furrowed-browed folks I encountered. Folks from all walks of life. Normal, everyday folks. Folks whose faces were mapped in pain, anger, and general upset.
For whatever reason, they were hurting and at loose ends.
And I smiled. At all of them.
Why?
Because they needed joy!
They needed a bright spot in their day.
They needed encouragement!
Don’t we all need a dose of encouragement from time to time?
I certainly did a few years ago.
I’ve always been a glass-half-full kinda gal, but time spent in the valley sent my big glass flying. My resolve faltered as my world spun hopelessly out of control. (You can read a condensed version of my story here.)
Despite that many of our concerns are valid, and often, downright painful, sometimes, our off-days are magnified.
Let’s face it: Spilled coffee, a stopped-up toilet, or even a fender-bender are bad, but they’re NOT life-or-death situations. They may cause us to groan and fuss, but those things are just things. They can be fixed.
And on those days when you’re just certain they can’t, don’t buy into that lie. Don’t give Satan the satisfaction. Don’t let him kill your hope, steal your joy, and destroy your day.
Dig your feet in and sideline your doldrums!
Here are 10 ways to remain encouraged (and yes, I’ve tried them!):
1. Smile. Even when you don’t feel like it. It takes more muscles to frown than smile. Besides, it feels good and it only takes a minute.
2. Susan Boyle’s I Dreamed a Dream. (Who doesn’t remember her stunning performance on Britain’s Got Talent? I weep when I watch this. Every. Single. Time.)
3. Road trip. Shake the dust off and get moving. A change in scenery is a great attitude-adjustment. I like to visit out-of-the-way flea markets and quaint, cozy tea rooms. Nostalgia and vintage speak to me. The point is to go somewhere you feel at peace and encouraged.
Photo Credit: conorwithonen/Creative Commons
4. Hug someone. There’s something healing in the power of touch. I believe it releases those “happy hormones” that make us feel better.
5. Pray. Without ceasing. It doesn’t have to be fancy or eloquent (although it can be). God isn’t grading us on our execution or vocabulary. He’s more interested in what’s on our minds.
6. Eat chocolate. Again, it kick-starts those “happy hormones.” I have a piece every day with my afternoon coffee.
7. Watch a movie. Pursuit of Happyness, Blindside, Gifted Hands, Facing the Giants, You’ve Got Mail for example. Don’t tune into something sad, discouraging, or downtrodden. Some oldies, but goodies: Enchanted Cottage, It’s a Wonderful Life, Magnificent Obsession, and The Seven Faces of Dr. Lao.
8. Aromatherapy. I use a small amount of lavender on a hanky and keep it in my car or purse. It promotes a sense of well-being. There are a lot of great books on the subject, but you should discuss this with your health care provider, as well.
9. Pay it forward. Do a good deed for someone else. Sometimes, when we’re feeling our worst, that’s when God uses us the best.
10. Laugh! Invite a friend over for an I Love Lucy marathon. Peruse old photos. Read the comics. Play with your kids. Eat icing with your fingers.
******
What other things would you add to the list?
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Happy Friday and Blessings Always,
Comments 12
Such great tips, Cindy. Watching funny movies, reading a good book, taking a bubble bath…those are some of my fun remedies. Sometimes, too, I find myself realizing I just need to make a choice: Choose to take God at his word that he’ll help me in every single situation or let discouragement win. The choice is rarely ever easy, though. 🙂
Author
Melissa, that’s the thing about “free will,” isn’t it? Choices are tough and making the right decision (the one God would have us to) doesn’t always seem readily apparent. I pray for discernment a lot. So thankful we can go to Him anytime with the big AND the small.
All great tips, Cindy. I’m a Yankee Candle person – I guess this could go under the aromatherapy. I light my candles, take in the scent, and a coziness takes to my heart and lifts my spirits.
Author
Loree, I love scented candles! For awhile I used the soy candles since they’re “clean-burning,” but really, I like anthing that smells good. (Though sugar cookie and lilac are some of my favorite scents.)
I like to clean. I know that sounds nuts but there’s something about an organized, fresh smelling, lines in the carpet after the vacuum runs through it that makes me feel better. And it helps to turn on a favorite Pandora praise station and let God’s presence lift me while I give the house a face-lift!
Author
Jess, believe it or not, I know someone who feels the exact same way! Maybe it’s the feeling of progress and accomplishment. You know, renewal, of sorts.
I adore praise and worship music, too!
Cindy, I agree with the suggestion to do something for someone else. That one step does wonders to bring peace to a troubled heart! Another favorite thing that helps me is to do a little creative scrapbooking! Going thru the pics and deciding what goes with them and what joy that moment was in my life helps cheer me in this moment too! 🙂
Author
Sugar, oh, how I miss scrapbooking! I agree, it’s a creative outlet that does wonders for the soul.
This is an excellent list. During these trying circumstances, sometimes we have to make ourselves do these things, but the payoff is big. Hope must be kept alive.
Author
Patti, so true. Without hope, we couldn’t press on.
Perfect.
There’s no other word for this post.
This one’s a keeper, because we all need the ammunition to encourage ourselves. How else can we move forward to encourage others? Thank you for being my encourager today, Cynthia. <3
Author
Lori, so glad my thoughts encouraged you. You’re a blessing, as well!