Ten Thoughts to Help You Avoid Discouragement .

"Judge no one, and disappointment and forgiveness won't be an issue. No one can let you down if you're not leaning on them. People can't hurt you unless you allow them to." This is number 9 from the article below. Good thoughts for all of us. See the rest of them here: Ten Thoughts to Help You Avoid Discouragement .

Give yourself a pep talk, ok?

Sometimes all we need are just a few simple techniques or tips to help get our focus back and realize that life is to be lived and enjoyed, not just endured. Here are a few ideas to encourage you: Health.com

20 Ways to be Encouraged

1.      Pizza and beer

2.     Affectionate kisses

3.     A smile from a passing stranger

4.     Rainy nights

5.     Music

6.     Holding a baby

7.      Watching courage displayed

8.     Displaying courage

9.     Getting a gift

10.  Giving a gift

11.   Seeing a really great movie

12.   Dancing without fear

13.   The greening of the grass and trees

14.   Your pet asleep at your feet

15.   Unexpected praise

16.   Discounts

17.   A project completed

18.  A clean house/apartment

19.   Reading a book you can’t put down

20.  Feeling loved

©2011 Timothy Moody

How to Beat the Winter Blues

Here is a great link to help fight off the doldrums of winter. Some of this is common sense and things you've heard before. But there are some tips I hadn't thought about. Since we still have some winter to go hopefully you will find something here to make it pass more quickly and enjoyably.

Make Yourself Happier - Four Ways To Happiness - Health.com

How to Stay Encouraged

1.     Be careful what you think.  Thoughts direct us, influence our choices, color our mood.  Try to see some good in the day, in yourself and in others.  Think of things and people you love.

2.     Smile.  I know that sounds like a corny bromide but it actually helps keep us cheerful.  Give a friendly smile to four or five unexpected recipients today.  No words, just a genuine smile.

3.     Focus on what motivates you.  Stay away from spending all day mentally consumed with duties, routines, obligations.  Get in touch with what really fuels your energy.  Follow today whatever gives you a sense of eagerness.

4.     Reach out.  If you are going through a really tough time, call or have lunch with a trusted friend.  Talk about what’s bothering you.  They don’t need to solve your problems.  Just having someone to listen always helps.

5.     Be good to yourself.  When we’re discouraged we often feel a lack of confidence.  Sometimes we dabble in self loathing and decide if we were better we’d be able to handle all of this.  Or we wouldn’t even be having these problems.  None of that today.  Extend some grace to yourself.  Treat yourself to something you enjoy.  There’s no such thing as selfishness when you’re feeling a bit down.

© 2011 Timothy Moody

How To Find Our Way Through Discouragement

1.      Face what you are feeling.  Trying to ignore feelings only leaves us more frustrated and wanting to shut down.

2.      Search for understanding.  See if there are insights in the messiness.

3.      Express anger, disappointment, fear, confusion in healthy ways.

4.      Reach out.  Talk to those you trust.  Listen for clues, within and from others, for how to move on.

5.      Stay open.  Be willing to accept and not get stuck in denial.

6.      Change your thinking.  Sometimes just deciding to stop fretting over something helps us begin to get past it.

7.      Allow some affirmation.  Be with those you love and those who love you.  Take in some good feelings from being in their company.

8.      Extend yourself.  Offer support to someone else who needs some care.

9.      Be aware.  Not everything is ugly or frustrating or hurtful right now.  Look for glimmers of goodness around you.  They are there if we care to search.

10. Treat yourself.  Buy some fresh flowers.  Take a modest shopping spree.  See a movie you like.  Have coffee with a friend.  Sometimes the smallest things have a way of lifting us out of the gloom.

Your Understanding Voices

"The human voice, if it is an understanding one, is an almost spiritual vehicle." – Jules Supervielle, French Poet


Who are the understanding voices in your life?  The people or person whose voice carries warmth and reassurance, wisdom and helpful guidance?  Let them know what they mean to you.


In the work of encouragement we all need at least one person whose voice is comfort, whose presence is encouragement.


The goal is to become ourself an understanding voice we hear within and we share with those we love.