Encouragement

If I had a dollar for every time a friend or family member told me they would start a big project soon … I’d be able to get CC’s twice a day. Think about how many times you or someone you know says the following: I’m starting a new diet on Monday. I need an entire day to clean my house because it’s gotten so out of hand. I think I’m going to sign up for the gym next month. I have an idea for a podcast that I’m going to start soon. I spent a ton of money this weekend, but I’m going to eat at home and bring a lunch to work every single day next week. ...

“Is this normal?" My friend asked today. “Has the world always been like this? Or do we just know more about things since the news is at our fingertips?” The overwhelming turmoil in Afghanistan, the Taliban taking over as US troops are pulled out: we’re seeing videos of people grasping onto a plane, lines in the airport, people desperate to flee their country. Men, women, children—lives truly at risk, falling apart. Uncertainty, terror, at every door. The major earthquake in Haiti, ravaging an impoverished country that’s been wrecked before. Damage, devastation, death amongst a beautiful people whose economy and infrastructure haven’t recovered from the last time. Our nation being upended yet again by Covid, being pulled apart by the arguments over the...

My sister recently told me about a t-shirt she noticed a mom wearing at the soccer field. The shirt read:I'm Fine, It's Fine, Everything is Fine This mom also had her hands full with water bottles, a toddler, and was pulling a wagon filled with chairs and other soccer gear. As I listened to my sister describe this woman and her t-shirt, I could not help but think of this scene as a metaphor for motherhood. How often are you carrying around a heavy load, whether it be physical or mental? Often times from the outside mothers appear to be completely FINE; however, on the inside we are feeling quite the opposite. Why is it mothers feel the need to...

1. A little note: Send a note in the mail, send a private message on social media, send a text message. It doesn’t have to be much. “Hey momma, I see you and you are doing a great job!” “Hang in there, this too shall pass!” “Just thinking of you, have a great week!” A little note can go a long way. They always show up at a great time and they are ALWAYS needed (and wanted)! 2.Compliments: I find these work best when you’re out and about. Tell another mom(or woman) something nice. “Hey, you’re doing a great job with your kids!” “Oh, I love your shoes!” Anything you think is nice about someone else, say it. It will put a...

“I’ll message you later.” It’s more commonplace than “I’ll see you later” or even “I’ll call you later.”  It’s easier. It’s more convenient. It’s more efficient. But are all these different methods of communication cutting us off from one another a little too much? Texting, emailing, audio messaging, and social media are becoming the go-to for reaching out and connecting to people. This applies not just to acquaintances but even to family and close friends. But confusion occurs when the line between our 762 Facebook friends and our handful of ride-or-die people is blurred. Unfortunately, the line continues to fade with time by our reluctance to drop by and visit or simply pick up the phone to check in every now...