It is amazing what words of encouragement can do for a person.
Did you grow up with parents cheering you on and encouraging you to do your best? If you did, you were very lucky.
I didn’t have that.
I was not encouraged to try harder or excel. Post-secondary school was never talked about as an option for me. My parents’ goal was simply for us to finish high school because they had not been able to themselves. For them, that was an accomplishment, and I understand that now. Still, encouragement to go further just wasn’t there.
I remember being 41 years old and taking a break from work to attend business college. My mother seemed indifferent about it, almost annoyed. Not once did she ask if I was enjoying school, how I was doing, or if I was proud of myself for continuing my education.
My mother-in-law, on the other hand, asked about my schooling every single time I saw her. She wanted to know how things were going and what I was learning. What a difference between the two families. One showed interest and encouragement. The other did not.
But it did not stop me.
Over the years, I continued taking classes and earning certificates. I have become a lifelong learner, even without much encouragement along the way. I do it for myself now, and that feels pretty good.
Still, it’s amazing what a few kind words can do for someone’s confidence and self-esteem.
That is really what I’m getting at here.
If you have someone in your life who is trying to better themselves, tell them you are proud of them occasionally. Ask how things are going. Show interest. Encourage them.
It does not have to be a family member. It could be a friend, co-worker, neighbour, or even someone quietly trying to improve their life behind the scenes.
Those words matter more than you may realize.
And as Tigger would say, “TTFN. Ta-ta for now!”