Words Can
Heal 
Encouraging Words
A twenty-four-year-old widow whose husband had recently been killed
in an automobile accident, leaving her with three small children, was
asked which words of consolation helped her most and which helped her
least. She replied that the words which helped her least were blithe
statements of nickel-and-dime philosophy. The words which helped her
the most were from a friend who said: “You have the strength to
get through this.”
Encouraging words are so simple to say, but they can change the
course of a person’s life.
Many successful people reminiscence about a teacher in elementary
or high school who said to them: “You could really become great
if you try.”
Many successful athletes remember a coach who said to them:
“You have what it takes to be a champion.”
Many successful musicians, artists, and actors attribute their
proficiency to a teacher or mentor who said to them: “You have
remarkable talent.”
A classic study showed that the elementary school children who get
the highest grades are not those with the highest IQ, but rather
those with the highest self-esteem. And our self-esteem, as we all
know, derives in large measure from at least one person who esteemed
us and let us know it.
How to Give the Gift of Encouraging Words
- Give only sincere, truthful encouragement. “You’re
beautiful,” said to a homely girl will be brushed off as a
false compliment. “You have beautiful hair,” said to the
same girl may boost her confidence in her appearance. Don’t
tell a child who screeches on the violin that he has the potential
to become the next Itzhak Pearlman; do tell him, “Your
perseverance is a great quality. It will help you succeed in many
areas.”
- Be generous with encouraging words, especially to your family
members. Don’t worry about telling your children too often
what their strong points are. Young children form their
self-definition based on their parents’ assessment of them.
“You’re so kind and generous” will produce kind and
generous children. Tell your spouse every day how
wonderful/thoughtful/hard-working/or responsible he or she
is.
- Don’t underestimate how much friends and co-workers need
to hear encouraging words. Even someone who projects an image of
self-assurance undoubtedly has bad days, disappointments, and
personal challenges. One successful architect had just had a major
project she designed rejected by her clients. Her co-worker
saying, “I think your design is brilliant,” saved her
from plunging into depression. You never know how timely your
words of encouragement may be.
- Did you ever fantasize that if you had a million dollars, one
day you would just walk down the street handing out dollar bills
to everyone you passed? Well, you have a million encouraging
words. Pass them out generously. Today. They won’t run
out.
Source: Brought to you by www.verticalresponse.com
Visit www.WordsCanHeal.org
for more ideas on how to heal with words. And spread the word! Send
this message out today -- together we can make a
difference!
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