Encouragement - an epiphany in Epiphany

The power of words of encouragement, I think I had either forgotten or never knew how much energy and value affirmation brings. I woke up this morning at 5am because one of my sons woke and saw fit to check the website to see if his school was open. I've been exhausted all week and really needed some sleep, but couldn't drop back off and dragged myself out of bed at 7am, wondering how I was going to manage the day.

Right now I am buzzing with energy and enthusiasm and gratitude for my job and my life, and the only difference between 7am and now is one affirming letter, two affirming emails and four affirming conversations. All of these were unsolicited, they winged their way through my my letterbox, the ether and though smiles.

I can't believe the difference it makes, and I am going to change my ways, I am going to write more letters of encouragement, emails of encouragement, I am going to smile more and criticise less, for we all did that it would be a different world.

Below is a video, it is six minutes long and I have have posted it here because I really think it makes the point, you need to see it to the end, though, if you can spare the six minutes. It speaks volumes to me not only about encouragement but also leadership and I have been challenged.