Affirmed

There’s something about affirmation.  You know, that kind word that lifts you up and makes you believe in yourself again.  Today, someone wrote me a very kind, affirming note.  ‘Twas a good thing.  A blessing actually.

We all need affirmation these days.  There’s plenty of reminders out there of the ways we don’t quite measure up.  It’s a wonder that anyone holds there head high anymore.  We’re pushed, pulled, prodded, and pigeonholed all day, every day.  Ads tell us we’d be better off if  ______________________.  Fill in the blank, huh?  If only we were skinnier, stronger, younger, hipper, wiser, better educated, more in touch with our feelings, used the right deodorant, drove the best car etc., then we’d be worth something.  Whew!!  Who does measure up? My guess is there's a whole lot of folks who are thinking that life is pretty much a fairly arduous uphill climb and don't get a whole lot of encouragement.

I wonder what it would be like to be someone important. I think if I was the POTUS, for example, I wouldn’t want to get out of bed in the morning unless I had some designated affirmers around me.  I certainly wouldn’t want to read the newspaper or turn on the news.  It seems no one has anything good to say about anyone trying to lead these days.  Free speech is a wonderful thing but there’s times when ‘ya wonder about some people’s internal blurting monitors.  What ever happened to self-control and self-discipline?

In a world that likes to tear down we need people who will build up. And we need more of them. Sometimes I need to be reminded that I am an unrepeatable miracle of God.  I’m one of a kind. So are you.  And that’s a very good thing.

Maybe we need to be on the lookout for folks who take it on the chin all too often.  How about that waiter or waitress who gets dumped on far too many times during the day?  What could we do to make his/her day?  Or that cab driver? What affirmation could we throw his/her way?  Good tips work.  Add some well chosen, affirming words along with it and you’ll make someone’s day and maybe more.

The truth is that I don’t know anyone who doesn’t appreciate a heartfelt thumbs up, a look in the eye thank you, an appreciative nod, and/or a written acknowledgement of kindnesses done and effort undertaken.

Thanks to the affirmers of this world who in word and deed help make this a better place to be.  May your tribe and influence increase.