Day 1: The blessings found in words of encouragement

How often do those around us provide us with encouragement to continue with what we are doing? How often do we receive support from our good friends or family? We probably receive it everyday, be it in a compliment from a friend or colleague about our clothing choice for the day, or a compliment on the effort we put into our work. And then there are the bigger more notable words of encouragement from our close friends and family who say what a good job we are doing and encourage us to continue with it, or who provide the support needed to keep going when we are finding it hard to continue.

How often do we truly thank them for this support? How often do we really appreciate what it is that they are giving us?

I was struck by this yesterday when I read a message received from an old friend that I used to go on the school bus with. I came back from an amazing 3 days away in the beautiful south-west of Australia, and when I logged onto Facebook I was greeted by a wonderfully inspiring message. Once again: thank-you Suzanne.

Throughout this year I have struggled to continue with my studies or to even just keep going with anything of what I was doing. Earlier this year I was sick for an extended period of time and the doctors did not have any idea what was wrong. There was a stage when became so discouraged that I was willing to throw away 2 1/2 years of study and just wanted to curl up in a corner and forget about anything related to my studies and focus on my art and music. But my parents especially were extremely supportive and encouraged me to continue. They helped me to refocus on my studies, made me go to a natropath who was actually able to help me get better, helped me look at everything that was happening in my life and prioritise, and made me realise that throwing away 2 1/2 years of study is not the best option.

At the time I took these words of encouragement for granted. Thinking back, I am really thankful for the support and words of encouragement I received from those around me. And I think I better finish this before I burst into tears and can't concentrate on the lit review I'm supposed to be writing. I never said it at the time but looking back I am extremely thankful for those who supported me then and continue to support me. I would like to thank you, and I thank God for placing you in my life. xxx