So here we go! As I said in my post yesterday, today's post would be a little different than my normal posts. I've thought long and hard about how to channel these idea's into a post or a series and I think I have finally landed on an idea that feels right. So, I'm still working out the logistics, but I think every other Thursday will now be known as Pep Talk Thursday. Every other week I'll cover a new topic, these will be wide ranging, but my hope is for this to be like we're sitting together, having a tea and just chatting. If you have any ideas for a topic please feel free to share! I always love new ideas! To start I thought it would be best to ease in to this with a topic that I've mentioned a few times on here and my instagram, and that is the idea of encouragement. This one word honestly fills me with so much passion and joy. Seriously just say it out loud a few times. Doesn't it make you want to help others, or send a nice text to someone who might need it? Well that's exactly how it makes me feel and hopefully once our little pep talk is through you will feel the same way!
My relationship with the term encouragement (yes you can have a serious relationship with a word...) began a few months ago. This was right around the same time that this blog of mine felt a little stuck, and when I wasn't sure where I wanted this space to head. So, what better way to get motivated then to procrastinate and watch a bunch of videos that aren't really related to what you're doing... smart one Nicole! However, what I quickly learned through some of these videos was that they were speaking so clearly to me, that their messages really sparked something within me. There's a whole bunch of videos, blog posts and webinars that are great for inspiration and cover many topics. Some of my favourites are The Conversation by Amanda de Cadenet (here), blog posts by Lara Casey and Emily Ley, and also their webinars. Seriously go check these out, they will make you feel so inspired and ready to move mountains afterwards!
But after watching and reading a few of these things I kept coming back to the word encouragement. Why is it so hard for women to encourage each other sometimes? Sure, as a friend we are so supportive and can be so encouraging, but I feel as strangers we tend to compete more then encourage. Maybe it's just me, but does anyone else feel this way? I noticed it greatly when I started getting angry/competitive with other people on instagram (first world problems here) and I took a step back and thought to myself, wouldn't it be so much better if I encouraged these other people? Wouldn't I love it if they encouraged me as well (treat others how you want to be treated)? So that's what I began to do.
When we step back and look at our actions and thoughts I think that is when we can really understand where they are coming from and how we can change them. Encouragement can be so powerful and so helpful. Everyone has a story, everyone has problems, you never know what is really going on in someones life. Because of this if you can encourage that person in any way possible, isn't that going to just be the best thing? Trust me not only will you make them feel better, but you as well will feel great. Whether it's being there for a friend when they need you, sending a reminder to someone who needs an extra good luck, or encouraging a stranger by helping out or acknowledging you like what they're doing, every little bit helps.
In one of the interviews that Amanda de Cadenet does for The Conversation, she talks with Gwyneth Paltrow about parenting and what it means to be a mother. Gwyneth Paltrow discusses this in relation to other mothers and how sometimes they can be so critical of one another as mothers. She then continues on by saying mothering is already hard enough "can't we all just be on each others side"? I thought this was brilliant. Think about it for a second. Can't we all be each others cheerleaders? Sure we can have different opinions about things, but can't we cheer each other on and encourage each other?
That idea of being on each others side paired with the quote below from the very talented Erica Cook, was really the inspiration behind my idea of Encouragment Always Wins. Guys I truly, whole heartedly believe this. Yes people are going to do bigger and better things than you, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't encourage them. I know that there is always going to be a more popular blog than mine, a blogger with way more instagram followers than me, and sure, from time to time that does make me jealous, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't support or encourage those other bloggers.
So let's start with this guys, let's start by encouraging each other more. I know we can do it! Start by encouraging your friends and family, showing your support for them and whatever it is they are facing. I guarantee you will be so glad you did, and will want to continue doing it (it's honestly addicting). I'll leave you with that and let me know what you think of the first Pep Talk Thursday.
