Seeds of Encouragement

I’m the youngest of four children. Shortly after I was born, my family moved and no longer lived quite as near to our extended family. As I grew up, I didn’t see my grandparents or my aunts and uncles often, and I don’t have many childhood memories with them. In the random memory that comes up, though, I recall my aunts and uncles being very kind and even quite silly when they interacted with me. Their humor made me giggle, and I loved the brief encounters. 

After I graduated from college with a degree in English Writing, I remember my aunt talking with me about the importance of writing. She told me how much she enjoyed writing about her treasured gardens around their home. During our conversation, she said, “You need to write every day. It doesn’t matter what it is; just sit in the chair and write something every day.”

I think of my aunt often and remember several interactions with her, but that is a conversation I’ve replayed over the years. I’ll be honest . . . I didn’t follow her advice at the time. Many years later, though, I’m finally listening.

For twenty-six years, I owned my own business as a freelance proofreader and copyeditor, reading and editing other people’s manuscripts for nonfiction trade books. I loved being surrounded by great writing. And I was thrilled to be a part of the publishing process and help put books out into the world.

Recently I started feeling like it was time to be done with that phase of the process. It was one of those fleeting feelings I ignored until it transformed into one I couldn't continue ignoring. All of a sudden it hit me that I'd successfully completed that role, and I knew it was time to explore new possibilities.

I’ve been thinking about writing for a long time, more or less waiting for a brilliant idea to pop into my head . . . some captivating idea, some perfect theme. But nothing specific has come. So, like my aunt recommended, I'll be present. I’ll show up. I’ll write.

I think this showing up is necessary in many areas of life. I can’t merely think about something happening or simply desire an outcome. I have to show up, put in the effort, and do the thing. I was talking with my friend Mishelle about my desire to write things down and share, actually put my writing somewhere in the cosmic void. I mentioned my fears of making it happen. She replied,

“I’m not surprised you are nervous--it's very brave, but only fitting seeing as you are a writer and have spent long enough editing others' work!”

I needed to hear her say that. Another instance of someone else speaking truth and encouragement into my life. She put words to what was in the back of my mind, something that I hadn't been able to put words to myself. Her words had a much more immediate impact on me than my aunt's had. But each one's sentiments were equally powerful. And equally important.

It's fascinating the positive effect words can have when we use them well . . . revealing, reassuring, affirming, validating. Even thirty years later, I still remember the conversation I had with my aunt. The words she spoke lay dormant. But those words were planted nonetheless, waiting to blossom and bloom at just the right moment. I'm grateful she took the time to be inquisitive about my life and speak kindness into it.

Both of these interactions are great reminders for me to be more mindful when I’m with other people. Really listen to them. Take a sincere interest in what they have to say. Notice their strengths. Speak encouragement and affirmation into their life.

The words we choose to speak to each other matter. I want to be better at choosing my words carefully, not underestimating their power. I never know when one momentary seed of encouragement might later take root and grow into something significant.  

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