National Day of Encouragement

I honestly didn’t know that this day existed until about a week ago, but I’m so glad it does and I feel it’s very fitting following yesterday’s anniversary of 9/11. It’s hard to believe that 17 years have passed since this tragic event. I read so many beautiful posts on social media about how this awful day in history allowed Americans to rise together and build each other up in the midst of terror and sorrow. Encouragement is one of the best forms of medicine that we can offer each other, not only in times of sadness but also in everyday life!

I was watching a video of Bob Goff the other day, who is so inspirational and an amazing author, and he was talking about how when we show love to others, it multiplies and grows exponentially! It’s like this light that shines so brightly and others can’t ignore it. Sometimes when I think about encouraging someone it can feel daunting, like I need to have this sit-down conversation with someone and dive deep into what’s going on in their life. While that’s one way to do it, it can be so much more simple than that! Even just a genuine, friendly hello can lift someone’s spirits. Maybe you get a coffee for a co-worker without them asking, or you buy food for the car behind you at the drive-thru. I was listening to my favorite radio station, Klove, and they were talking about decorating river rocks with encouraging phrases and putting them in public places in your local communities! I loved that idea and think that’s such a great way to spread love to people we don’t even know in a simple way. I also think of those who have been evacuated from their homes and neighborhoods in the Southeast due to Hurricane Florence and how much encouragement and prayer they need right now!

I hope on this day of encouragement you’re able to spread joy and love to others, but also to give yourself some self-love! You are valued, you are intelligent, you are beautiful, you are treasured, you are LOVED! It’s not just me saying this to you, but this is what God, the creator of the universe, says about you! Take a moment today to really let that sink in and know how truly loved you are! Now let’s go spread that love to others today and shine bright! xo