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Some people feel that if you encourage a child too much they will become spoiled and when they grow up, they will not know how to deal with life’s issues when they arise. But if a child isn’t encouraged at all, when they are adults, they will find themselves shrinking away from life’s challenges. Encouragement, done in its true sense is merely lending support when needed, praise when warranted and inspiration to keep one motivated.
When I conduct a creative writing class, I always make sure there is enough balance. In other words, praise for an assignment well done, inspiration that keeps the student going in dry periods and support when they feel they haven’t got a thing to offer society in the way of the literary arts.
Case in point – in a few weeks my writers will expand their horizons and go out into unfamiliar territory in the way of giving public readings at the annual Arts Festival at the local community center. My students are a varied group of writers – some more seasoned than others. It’s my job to encourage them, but in a way that builds confidence and self-esteem. With each week that passes as we rehearse for the big event, I watch my students grow in ways they never thought possible. The evidence is in the way they conduct themselves as they share their work and in the way they handle those who do not think so highly of what we have accomplished as a group.
Encouragement, on the other hand, can have a negative connotation – simply put, if someone is encouraged to pursue an endeavor that is harmful for themselves or others or led to believe they are more than what they are, just to gain a favor, then the word takes on an entirely different meaning.
For me, it will always be used to bring about the best in a person, so they can go on and encourage someone else to reach their full potential, even if no one else cheers them on.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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