Discourage:
1. To deprive of confidence, hope, or spirit.
2. To hamper by discouraging; deter.
3. To try to prevent by expressing disapproval or raising objections.
We all get hit by hard times or get hit hard sometimes. Sometimes we are discouraged by our own spirit and thoughts. Sometimes, it is by the world or by others. The economy has left many discouraged, along with other feelings. Family circumstances, work, relationships, parenting, our health, sometimes even just trying to find enough time in the day to get things accomplished. I think the first definition is the most appropriate and allows us to spiral into a pit of discouragement and eventually despair.
What can you do to prevent the disease of discouragement?
Find ways to feel more in control. Even if it seems insignificant. The human spirit uses this as food which grows exponentially, and that food nourishes and replenishes hope and confidence. And with hope and confidence you can continue to move on.
- Remind yourself daily of 3 things that are good about your life, and 3 things that are good about you.
- Do something good for someone else every day….let them into traffic, let them go ahead of you in line at the store, buy them a cup of coffee, leave a tip, say something nice to a co-worker or the check-out person. It doesn’t have to be big. Over time you will feel better as you make positive change in the world…and you regain a sense of value and hope.
- Or… do bigger things, such as: help someone else; work at a soup kitchen; donate to a charity; help someone at a store or at your school; help clean a community park with a local organization; make someone smile. Doing these things plants seeds of hope and reaffirms your value and abilities and renews confidence.
- Focus on what really matters
- Watch this short video and know you are not alone and in good company.
“A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” Duke Ellington
“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
“I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe.” The Dalai Lama
Tags: discourage, discouragement, donate, help, what really matters