I often write about discouragement, so it’s only fitting that I write about encouragement. At least, I’ll share how I encourage others. I can’t seem to generalize when it comes to encouragement. Because of that, I’ll only focus on some of the ways I encourage others. I have a number of them.
I have a number of them because the way I encourage a person depends on the person. For instance, several of my friends are participating in NaNoWriMo. I encourage some of those friends by pestering them as only I can pester them. They eventually curse me for harassing them, which only proves that I’ve successfully completed my encouragement mission. Some of my other friends receive interesting articles or chibified versions of themselves. Others receive a direct message on Twitter, a message on Facebook, or an email. Still others receive a phone call or a Skype chat.
The secret with all those methods is paying attention to people and their interests and activities. I’m not always very good with names, but I am good with details. I arm myself with those details when determining the best method of encouragement or – dare I say it – engagement. I let people know I’m thinking of them, not with some cheesy card or flippant remark but with relevant messages, drawings, and articles. I let them know I’m there with and for them through the good and the bad times.
How do you encourage others? How do you like to be encouraged?
Photo: Sarah Bresnahan (CC BY SA 2.0)
Erin Feldman
Erin Feldman is the founder of Write Right. She's a copywriter, editor, poet, and artist. She helps people tell their stories. You can find Erin on Google+.
Follow Me:
