"Encouragement (noun): the act of encouraging; the state of being encouraged." (Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition.). I suppose MW is encouraging me to further read their book and go up one word to encourage which is defined as "to inspire with courage, spirit or hope: HEARTEN." (ibid). Encouragement is something we both like to give and receive. Either way we use encouragement, we are going to feel good about ourselves. I have had a truckload of people who have inspired me through my life: family members, friends, coaches, co-workers, bosses, strangers, teachers, professors, authors, athletes, musicians, the list is endless. And I hope through the years I have encouraged a few people to try something that is out of their comfort zone or at least, perhaps I have made a moment in their day a little brighter.
A few years ago, when we were moving from Austin to Cary, a friend of mine gave me a book called, "Have you Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids" by Carol McCloud. I have a teeny tiny problem with the title and I am surprised the editor did not catch the oversight. The second part of the title should read "....for People" because every word speaks to the heart of everyone and anyone. The book tells of an invisible bucket we all carry around with "its purpose is to hold your good thoughts and feelings about yourself.". Sometimes your bucket is overflowing with happiness and sometimes your bucket is bone dry. Sometimes people say good things to you, lifting you up, inspiring you to achieve and off you go skipping and whistling down the street with your bucket. This in turn will make you want to fill someone else's bucket by giving someone a compliment, writing a note, spending time with a new friend or just saying hi with a smile. Buckets are overflowing and life is good.
But then come those bucket dippers and boy these people can quickly suck the joy right out of you. Who invited them to our beach party? "Go away!" you say, clinging tightly to your depleting happy bucket. And all of a sudden, you are feeling sad, depressed and looking for someone to fill your bucket. Truth is, the bucket dipper wants some of your happy and guess what? You have plenty to share. So go ahead...encourage the bucket dipper to be a better person. You might ask questions about their day. You might compliment them on their hair, their eyes, clothes they are wearing or maybe something they did that day that was kind of extraordinary. The next thing you know, two buckets are overflowing and off you go to invite more people to your party.
Sometimes, though, your bucket is going to run on empty. Everyone's does and that's ok. Life is not always "rainbows and unicorns" and quite frankly, I am a little grateful it isn't. I am sure there is a person in your life who always has a good word to say, a funny story or just a big ol' smile. Reach out and ask for a drop in the bucket. We need as much as we give.
I really like the last few sentences McCloud writes toward the end of her book. "So why not decide to be a bucket filler today and every day? Just start each day by saying to yourself, 'I'm going to do something to fill someone's bucket today.' And at the end of each day, ask yourself, 'Did I fill a bucket today?' 'Yes I did!' That's the life of a bucket filler...and that's YOU!". I encourage you today to spread your sunshine around and warm a heart. And the funny thing is, you'll notice your heart is a little warmer, too.
And remember, don't be a dipper unless you're serving ice cream!
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