15 Things You Can Do to Encourage

We love encouragement. In fact, we crave it. Encouragement is one of those things that can pick you up and get you through your day.

Some, however, don’t see themselves as encouraging. “I just won’t know what to say” or “What if they are offended by me trying to pick them up” are phrases you might hear someone say.

Here is a quick list of things you CAN do to encourage someone else.

1. Send a non-forwarded email. Take a minute to type out a favorite verse or quote and send it to someone who enjoys getting email.

2. Write a letter. Remember pens and paper? Getting mail is a huge deal, especially to the elderly. Write a letter telling someone how you have benefited from him or her.

3. Give from your garden. People love fresh veggies. Take over a couple of tomatoes or carrots. Who knows, they may fix you lunch!

4. Be a Twitter encourager. Some people use Twitter to send little messages that pick up others. Some pass along quotes that are humorous or uplifting. What a great tool!

5. Visit someone who is hurting. You may not know what to say, but just being there is a great sign of encouragement. Hospitals are lonely places, and the presence of a visitor makes a world of difference.

6. Bake (or buy) some cookies. I don’t know what it is, but cookies are encouraging! Make some for a child and his stay-at-home mom and help them get through their day.

7. Have someone over for a meal. Being asked to someone’s house is a wonderful treat. It is a sign that they want to connect, and that is encouraging. [Special note: the meal doesn’t have to be fancy! Just make something you love and have great fellowship.]

8. Bring a child along. The presence of children picks up nearly everyone. This is especially true of the elderly, but nearly anyone loves a child.

9. Bring a teen along when visiting nursing homes and the shut-in. Those in these conditions can’t believe it when a teenager shows some interest in them. Just their presence is an encouragement!

10. Give something away. Yes, just give it. Maybe it’s a tool to a young craftsman, or a good pan to a young mom. That gift will be remembered.

11. Remember someone “after the storm.” Don’t stop sending cards just because the funeral is over. Send a card or make a visit 3 or 4 months later. That will make a world of difference.

12. Use Facebook to encourage. I use it to send birthday wishes, but others just have a knack at sending encouraging notes and comments. What a way to “fire up the internet!”

13. Have your children make a card. In this case, neatness doesn’t count!

14. Remember your college students. You may not have the money to send them care packages, but you can send them a note or a message online. They need it!

15. Praise someone when they do something well. Use whatever form or media you are good at, but make sure you don’t just praise the public stuff. Remember those who do things behind the scenes.

Can you do one of those today? What else do you do to encourage?