Sometimes people think they are watching out for your best interests, but what they really are doing is just holding you back. If I am struggling with an exercise program, I don't need someone telling me it's okay to skip a day...I need someone to kick my butt into gear. If I am dealing with doubts about whether I should keep writing or not, I don't need someone saying I really didn't have a chance of becoming a published author anyway so I might as well give up...I need someone reminding me why I started writing in the first place.
Enablers like to hold back, hold down, and hold off. They hold back when they place obstacles in the way of someone else's vision. They hold down when they shower words of doubt on an already beaten spirit. And sometimes they hold off honest praise for the effort made because they wish it were themselves pursuing that dream.
Encouragers, on the other hand, hold up, hold out, and hold on. They hold up someone who might be having a bad day and remind them of prior accomplishments. They hold out a helping hand, offer words of support, and guidance to keep someone on the right track. And they hold on to the dream as well so they may be there at the finish line to join in the celebration.
When I began to fully focus on my writing career a year ago, I decided not only to surround myself with Encouragers who would fill my world with positive energy, but to be an Encourager myself with this blog so others may be held up in their time of need. With that kind of attitude, there is only one direction for all of us to go...
