Wanted: Encouragers


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Many of us battle internal negative chatter like "You're not good enough, you're not smart enough, you're not attractive enough." The last thing we need is criticism or condemnation. What we really need is encouragement. We need bosses who commend their employees for doing good work. We need parents who praise their children for their achievements. We need teachers who compliment students' successes. We need leaders who bring out the best in their followers.

Encouragers know how to make others feel important and valuable. They take time to convey uplifting words and positive messages. They know that life is filled with challenges and difficulties, and they will do anything they can to lighten the burden. Encouragers are strong, caring people who are not filled with their own egos, but quick to boost others' self-esteem.

Encouragers make a difference in the lives of others. They can often enable a discouraged person to try again, or a depressed person to find hope and reasons to live. This is especially important for the young who are so susceptible to negative or demeaning words. Children can be damaged for life by harsh put-downs. They thrive on praise. Everyone does.

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