Encouragement can be another word for hope, belief, even for love. When used by different people in our lives it can be one, all, or more than these words. Depending on circumstances, this simple word, put into action, can make the difference to the extent of changing or saving a life. How easy it is to get caught in a downward spiral which without a lifeline can drag us deeper into unhealthy situations. Domestic violence leaves its impact on generations of families, from believing that this is normal, to thinking perhaps we deserved the reaction, the violent consequence.
A lifeline, positive encouragement of self, can stall or prevent the insidious slide into that dark place of thinking there is no other option in unhealthy relationships. Encouragement in the worth and value of self, in education and discovery of loving oneself and understanding love of others, an unconditional love, and the building up of hope, plants a seed. It starts with being present in body or spirit, listening and providing encouragement in a language that can be received and understood. There may be others that cultivate and nurture this seed, or it may be one steady voice of encouragement, either way it shines a light and a path out of the darkness.
May you find the light and be the light of encouragement.
By Evita Krislock