Life Is For Living: The Power of Encouragement - Perseverance against the odds

5 Aug 2013

The Power of Encouragement - Perseverance against the odds

Perseverence against the odds is what is demanded of us each and every day. That is why we are here, to achieve, grow, prosper doing what we love. When doubt rears its ugly head according to who's around we lose faith in ourselves and our abilities and fall into that fear full pit. Helped along by our so-called friends and family members.

The trick is to always maintain your focus on what you want to achieve to the exclusion of all else, know who your real friends are and even more importantly, understand that a family is not necessarily comprised of blood relatives but those who love and support you and lift you up when you feel down. They encourage you in spite of the odds. That is family and they will never let you down.

So be careful who you listen to and sometimes, it's worth turning a deaf ear to helpful advice which is not always in your best interest.

Will, Fern, and the Power of Encouragement

Two frogs named Will and Fern fell into a deep pit together. At first, they thought it would be easy to jump out. But after lots of failed attempts they cried for help and a crowd of animals gathered around the pit.

Everyone agreed it was hopeless so they urged Will and Fern to accept their fate. The harder the trapped frogs jumped, the more the crowd yelled at them to give up. Finally, Will stopped trying. Fern refused to quit and with one mighty try she leaped out of the pit.

The crowd was amazed. Someone asked her why she kept trying when everyone told her she had no chance.

Fern was baffled. “What are you saying?” she asked. “I’m a bit deaf. I was sure you were all cheering me on. I couldn’t have done it without your encouragement.”

I learned of this story from a woman who was in a transitional housing program recovering from a long period of drug abuse, homelessness and hopelessness. She wanted everyone to understand how important positivism and encouragement can be to help people who seem down and out to get up and out. She said she got out of her own pit because caring people helped her believe in herself and gave her the confidence she needed to jump a little harder.

There will always be people in your life ready to tell you what you can’t do. Real friends root for you, support you and help you discover your inner talents and strengths.