I love encouragement. I thrived on it as a child. In fact, it got me through many a day. I see my children needing it, craving it. I see people around me who need a boost. Feel down? Feel at the end of your rope? You are only human. Let's put things into perspective though. For a moment. Imagine, you were born into a different life. Nick was. A much different life than you and I are familiar with. I want to share this man's story with you, it came to me courtesy of one of my friends...Danielle {the wise, the beautiful, the great...}. Thank you Danielle! :) Never give up! xo
Gillian, you are so lucky your parents encouraged you.
Encouragement is one of the most powerful ways to influence other people.
Children need encouragement like plants need water.
Encouragement is different from praise because encouragement is given during trial and error, it focuses on the deed, and it's low key.
As opposed to praise which is given only for success, focuses on the doer, and is high energy.
Praise-ful parents like to look good, versus
encouraging parents who want their children to learn to roll with the punches and develop courage.
See more at my blog, www.raisingable.com
Posted by: Susan Tordella-Williams | March 24, 2010 at 10:32 AM
Well THAT puts it all in perspective, doesn't it? Thank you for sharing this.
Posted by: Swirly | March 24, 2010 at 12:27 PM
My God.
Tears are flooding out of my eyes.
So glad you shared this, Miss Gillian.
xoxo
Posted by: Graciel @ Evenstar Art | March 24, 2010 at 09:42 PM
You embody 'encouragement with a smile' ;)
Much love, M
Posted by: Maithri | March 24, 2010 at 11:52 PM
Oh man, that was really good, Gillian. Nick is inspirational. Thank you for this.
Posted by: susanna's sketchbook | March 25, 2010 at 07:56 PM
I've seen this insightful man on some program which escapes me at the moment. I'd forgotten - thank you to Nick for the reminder and to Gillian for spreading his message.
Posted by: Heather | March 30, 2010 at 01:17 PM