Encouragement: the Secret to a More Rewarding Life

We often forget in this world, others. How to be friendly and helpful. We grow so accustomed looking out for number one that we become blinded to others. But if there is one thing we can do along the way, is to encourage others. In our words. In our friendships. In our hearts. The world can be lonely.

A friendly note. A pat on the back. Talking to others about their dreams and aspirations. Really getting to know someone. All of these can take you from being selfish to being selfless. Invite others in on your journey towards inner peace. Forgive yourself for your greed and vanity, which are just a part of human nature, and stop beating yourself up about all of your shortcomings and remember to encourage others as we journey through this life.

I am not perfect, but I am loving. I have had many friends. And I'd just like to be a writer. I don't have the secret to life. Although I think being in a loving relationship is part of it. And even if you aren't married, you can be in a relationship with Jesus. You can also be in a loving relationship with yourself. Buy yourself flowers, send yourself a love letter. Tell yourself how wonderful you are. I love writing in my journal and taking soaks in the tub.

Jesus said the most important commandment was to love others as you love yourself. And to love God with all your strength, soul and mind. You have to be there for others, give them your time and love. Words of encouragement so that they can feel someone cares. Aristotle believed no man was an Island. As others grow, you will too.

In order to reap the good, you must give good seed. You can't sow brambles and expect kumquats. It just doesn't work that way. Growing up there was a Heroin epidemic in Morris County. I turned to Jesus because I didn't want to live in that environment. I hadn't been a Christian before and it was all very new to me. But it broke my heart that people would rather live in a self centered way than to care about others. They say drugs are a victimless crime. Tell that to a family ripped apart by drug abuse. Its sad. I'd rather be in love with Jesus than to dally with creepy drug addicts. We were made to worship. You can either have faith or folly.

My church has grown over the years. And I can't say its been perfect for me. But when I complained about the loud music, they started a unplugged version. We'll see how that works out. I know I am very sensitive and I try to have faith to overcome some of the loneliness and quiet I need. I have met many people over the years that were at various stages of life. And I know I have found some of those in the most trouble hang out with ne'er-do-wells and miscreants. I guess if you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas.

Its hard to be young these days. In an attempt to matter, teens act out to gain attention when if an older person just spent some time with them, they would less likely do drugs and wind up in trouble. If we didn't focus on negative stories and gave attention to people making a difference in life, we wouldn't have so much crime. But if it bleeds it leads is the standby. Because people want to see train wrecks and murders. It makes them feel better about their own little life.

If everyone would make an attempt to encourage others, instead of tearing each other down and being jealous of each other, we would live in a more gracious world. But until the media grows up and stops inundating us with sex talk and mindless drivel about gay sexcapades and panties, we'll never get anywhere.