Discourage, verb – to deprive of courage, hope, or confidence; dishearten, dispirit.
This week my focus has been on courage. I am a civilian. I am not facing terrorists, or possible death or dismemberment. Courage in my daily life is about living transparently, speaking the truth when it is just as easy to avoid telling the truth; and quiet steadfast persistence in the face of difficult times.
Where are people around you discouraged? Have you looked lately? Where are you discouraged?
In my daily work we see people who are out of work and have been searching for too long, people who are without shelter who need steady housing, people one pay check away from lack or blessing. My co-workers and staffs deal with discouragement daily in working with the people we serve. For the past week I have been assisting one of our staff with the situation of a veteran who is doing everything possible to obtain work and housing. Each day brought en-couraging or dis-couraging events. He has felt anger, frustration, and hope in waves.
Last night I went to bed very early – full with the discouragement felt by team members this week – discouraged regarding my own goals and dreams, feeling powerless to effect positive change. And I dreamt.
Re-member gratitude. Put back together your own sense of thankfulness. Be one with the good in each moment now. Be grateful.
Courage, encouragement, kindness, gratitude – linked at the core.
The Master Teacher said, “Be of good courage, for I have overcome the world.”
I arise today encouraged, ready to persist, to meet the challenges and support others in doing the same. Guiding words for today: lead with kindness, listen with compassion, tell the truth, expect miracles.
If I haven’t said it before, BLESS YOU for your work with veterans! And just think – you staying en-couraged and re-energized will ripple out to them, smoothing their way even further!
Thank you Ellen. It really is a privilege to do the work. Appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Thank you great blogpost. Courage can be in little things. Great things like writing this blog! It took me courage to write my blog the first time 😉
It did for me as well. Thank you!
Reading Your post added to todays happiness and gratitude for me, wonderful use of words spiced with compassion, love and deep meaning!
Mahalo, I appreciate You!
How lovely! Thank you for your kind words! Mahalo!
Diane thank you so much for your heart felt thoughts! Peace be the journey!
Thank you both for your words of encouragement. Part of leadership is stepping apart to re-create oneself. I have been doing that today. Weep not for I do persist…all is well in the spiritual realm, and I persist, I win.
Weeping happy tears from seeing you winning! You are a champion!!
Rest and recuperation is the key…HALT…never get too hungry, to angry, to lonely, too tired…a secret to success!
We are of the bloodline of William the Conqueror, and of several of the Warrior Kings of England.
Courage is an essential part of our beingness, which is why, I, one who knows your heart, weep seeing you express your truth.
Warrior Hearts express differently on the battlefields of our lives, buf they express, nonetheless.
Thus clarifies your work issues. Very well articulated.
Daily you deal with people who struggle, some valiantly.
I see everything as a stepping stone for you. A clear path yet moments of discouragement. ..only to get refocused.
The people you will serve will be on a less desperate path and that alone will change your life.