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Inspiration

5 Simple Ways to Encourage Others

Encouragement is one of our core values at Lily & Val. Prints and note cards filled with encouraging messages are certainly a key part of what we do, but my goal is that a spirit of encouragement will run even deeper than that in our company. I want our team members and everyone that interacts with our brand to feel encouraged and uplifted. This goal caused me to dig a little deeper into what it actually means to be an encourager and how I could do a better job. What I found was extremely helpful and I wanted to share it with you all along with 5 simple ways to spread encouragement to those around you!

Encouragement is one of our core values at Lily & Val so we are sharing 5 simple ways to be an encouragement to those around you on Lily & Val LivingOften times, encouragement can be mistaken for praise. Praise, of course, is a wonderful thing, but it is limited. It emphasizes something earned – a reward. Encouragement, on the other hand, is given freely. Sometimes the best encouragement comes from noticing and affirming something others may never even notice or think of mentioning!

Encouragement is all about imparting confidence and affirming someone’s worth and dignity.  It tells them “I accept you. You are enough.” We are all given the ability to offer encouragement and these simple acts can have a profound impact. An encouraged person believes in themselves and accomplishes even more than they thought possible!

Here are 5 simple ways to encourage those around you:

Being optimistic is one of the best ways you can be an encouragement to those around you1. Be Optimistic

Having an optimistic attitude is one of the best ways to be an encourager. An optimistic person expects the best possible outcome and thrives on hoping for the best. When your attitude is one of positivity, you will be better able to impart that courage into someone else.

2. Smile 

It might sound simple and cheesy, but making eye contact and smiling is one of the best ways we can encourage each other. This is a very simple, but effective affirmation and unspoken acceptance.

Truly listening to what someone has to say is a great way to encourage them! More tips for being an encourager on Lily & Val Living!3. Listen

With so many distractions vying for our attention, it is hard to be fully engaged with someone who is talking to us. Our minds may be distracted, or, we are too busy thinking about what we are going to say next instead of truly listening to what the person is saying. Notice if you begin slipping into this pattern, and practice truly paying attention. When someone knows you are fully engaged and listening to them it shows what they have to say is important.

Don't hold back your encouragement! Share it either verbally or in writing! A hand-written note sent via snail mail is our favorite way because they will have something to keep.4. Share 

In any situation, both positive and negative, look for anything that can be turned into an asset or a strength and recognize those things!  If you think of something to recognize, don’t hold back! Share these compliments verbally or in writing.  A hand-written note is our favorite way because the recipient has something to keep.  Sharing publicly also a great idea!

5. Jot It Down

When someone shares a piece of information about themselves – a personal preference, birthday, favorite candy, fear, dreams, etc. – jot it down! Remembering these small details shows that you care about what they care about.

IMG_8399I hope these tips are helpful to you! I’d love to hear your tips for spreading encouragement, too! Leave a note in the comments. xo

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4 Comments

  • Reply Carin August 24, 2016 at 11:33 pm

    These are all great ideas! I think listening is my greatest challenge but I’d like to try harder. Oh and your illustrations are beautiful too 🙂

    • Reply Valerie McKeehan October 6, 2016 at 2:30 am

      Thanks so much Carin!

  • Reply Janet G August 31, 2016 at 8:06 pm

    These are awesome ideas and presented in such a beautiful way. Are the sketchbook designs shown going to be for sale? I would love to see them framed and hung in a gallery in my hallway at work!

    • Reply Valerie McKeehan October 6, 2016 at 2:31 am

      Thank you so much!! Unfortunately, these designs won’t be for sale- just for the blog! Thanks for asking though! So glad you like them! 🙂

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