Tag Archives: encouragement

Don’t Let the World Take Your Smile Away

Posted on by
11

Yesterday, someone tried to take my smile. I was at the supermarket, and I greeted the person and smiled. They proceeded to glare back at me with pursed lips and no greeting. I know I shouldn’t let it bother me, but it did. It made me question the smiling, the greeting. Maybe I’m just annoying, I thought. Maybe I should stop smiling at people so much.

But that is wrong. People need smiles. Not annoying smiles that are inappropriate and placed when people are grieving or in pain, but encouraging, I’m glad to see you smiles. Smiles that make us feel good, or at least better.

“Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth.” — Unknown

“There is fear when frowning. There is love when smiling.” —Maxime Lagacé

“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” – William Arthur Ward

¨Smile at strangers and you just might change a life.¨- Steve Maraboli

 “If someone is too tired to give you a smile, leave one of your own, because no one needs a smile as much as those who have none to give.” — Samson Raphael Hirsch

¨A smile cures the wounding of a frown.¨- William Shakespeare

 “Keep walking and keep smiling.” — Tiny Tim

I wish I could see all of you readers in person right now. We could smile at each other, and we would feel so much better. 🙂 🙂 🙂

Smiles and blessings,

Lisa

“So, What Do You Do?”

Posted on by
4

Scenario 1: You are meeting people in a social situation of any kind. Someone new comes up to you and says, “So….what do you do?”

You hem and haw, and feel that strange, slightly apologetic and defensive response come forth. “I am a writer. (or singer, or composer, or artist, or fill in the blank)” You use a subdued voice, looking towards the floor slightly.

“Wow. Can you make a living with that?” Only the truly bold acquaintance will muster that, but you feel it just the same, no matter the words or expressions chosen.

“Well, I am working on a novel, or art piece, or album….” Your voice trails off and you anxiously look for the exit to this conversation. You skillfully turn it to another topic and breathe a sigh of relief.

Scenario 2: Same setting. “So….what do you do?”

You stand up straight and smile. “I am an artist. (or writer, or singer, or composer)”, said in your normal happy speaking voice. Direct eye contact.

“Wow. That’s cool. I wish I had the guts to try something like that. Can you make a living?”

You smile again, letting them know within that smile that, no, not quite yet, but yes, it doesn’t really matter at this point.

They realize you aren’t going to answer that question, as it is immaterial. “Tell me about it. Sounds awesome.”

Just a bit of encouragement to all you artists, musicians, writers, etc. out there. No apologies. You are created in the image of God, who happens to be extremely artistic and creative Himself.

Blessings, Lisa

A Tale of Two Encouragers

Posted on by
5

The Scene: 5th Grade

The Characters: A music teacher, a mom, and an insecure 10 year old

The Setting: Small town Virginia, 1970s

In fifth grade, a very exciting and unusual thing occurred. Our young, beautiful music teacher announced that she was having auditions for a big musical, “Oklahoma,” by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Yes, the original Broadway version of the musical, edited of course for 5th grade appropriateness. Live music and everything.

We were all beside ourselves with excitement and nervousness. I went home and announced the news to my mom after school. She was a wonderful musician herself, and promptly ordered the “Oklahoma” album so that I could learn and practice the songs to get ready for the auditions. She calmed my many anxieties and steadily encouraged me that I could do this.

Auditions came and went, and lo and behold…..Ado Annie came my way. After a brief disappointment that I didn’t get Laurey (which, by the way, was much too high for my singing voice and not right for me), I dived into the role and thrived under my music teacher’s encouragement and direction.

Somehow, that group of untrained, untried fifth graders pulled off the musical, and we gained confidence and memories that would last a lifetime.

So thank you, Mom. Thank you, Debbie Greeley. You made a huge difference with your love and encouragement. Love, Lisa

P.S. If any of you reading happen to know this song, it will do wonders for your mood to sing along with it this morning. By the end, you will be singing your head off and loving it! 🙂

P.S.S. If any of you would like to share stories of someone who encouraged you along the way, I would love to hear them in the comments below. 🙂

P.S.S.S. Cathy Liles Sweeney….you better be singing along! LOL

Voice

Posted on by
5
Image result for images writing honesty

As a writer, I have two voices. The one that is my best or aspirational self, the one that tries to encourage and uplift. But I also have another writing voice. My brutally honest, venting, cathartic voice, that doesn’t hide the difficulties of life. Outside of this blog, this is the one I have been needing to use lately in my writing.

I have been struggling to write, because these two voices are fighting. Trying to find my real voice, while not being a Debbie Downer, is a challenge. Because writing, or art, or music, is nothing if it is not honest. But all of us, including me, need to be encouraged and lifted up with words, not dragged down.

Where is the truth and honesty and cohesiveness in all this? I think by acknowledging that we are complex creatures created by God to have many different emotions. Happy, sad, confused, excited, angry, hopeful, distant, loving. We have good days, bad days.

So here it is today….just words that are grasping for honesty. Words that are saying that I don’t know all the answers to anything, but I know the God who does. Words that are attempting to lift up someone else who is struggling to stay positive during all this mess, just by stating something that maybe they are feeling.

Truth. Honesty. There is beauty in that, even if it is hard beauty.

Love, Lisa

Thanking the Helpers

Posted on by
2

Counting my blessings this morning.

Husband, Mom, family, who never stop loving and helping.

Friends that give rides and cards and hugs.

Boots that help me walk better.

Music that gets me going.

God who never leaves me or forsakes me.

 

So very thankful for so many blessings.  If you recognize yourself in this list, please know that I appreciate you and love you all so very much.

And if you are helping someone in your life who is having a hard time, (and aren’t we all, in some way or another?) know that you are appreciated.  You are helping to keep them going.

Love, Lisa