One of the biggest aha’s I’ve received from Brene Brown is that the Latin root for courage is heart. Discouragement then, conversely, is defined in Webster’s 1828 dictionary as the act of disheartening or depriving of courage – the act of depressing confidence. To have courage is defined as bravery; intrepidity; that quality of mind that enables men to encounter danger and difficulties with firmness or without fear or depression of spirits.
“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” Brene Brown
I’ve experienced some discouragement lately. We all have. Our hearts get heavy. We can feel misunderstood, mistaken, misguided. These feelings can overwhelm and keep us from wholeness. We worry about our loved ones who suffer. We wonder if our inner work is making a difference. When we are disheartened, it makes it more difficult to face the day and move forward.
I’d like to issue a challenge. This challenge is to engage in community using the medium of encouragement. I think of encouragement as an infusion of courage- an operation that builds up the heart. Every day in the hustle and bustle of life, we notice and appreciate the good work that others are doing. What if when we noticed, we took the time to share more than a cursory “thank you”?
What if we engaged with that person, telling them exactly what they did (X), how it made you feel (Y), and why it made you feel that way(Z)? (An XYZ statement) What if we said it right then, slowing down to look in their eyes and engage in a way that has meaning? What if we write a heartfelt note on a card and buy them a drink, or give them some chocolate, or some other small gift? The point is, to take time to give engagement, connection, and encouragement.
What happens when people feel seen and appreciated for what they give or the gifts you see within them? What if 10 people in this county decided to engage in encouragement to 10 people this week? One hundred people in Delta County would feel known and loved just as they are.
Here’s another way to bless a broken and healing heart: Our community is blessed with the life of a young man named Shepherd Dittrich, He was born with severe aortic stenosis and has undergone four heart surgeries. Shep will need two more to reach adulthood with flying colors. His heart is struggling right now with the demands of puberty and the maturation of his body. Things that once were easy for him are becoming difficult and extracting a higher energy toll.
His mom, Helenbeth Dittrich has been a wellness practitioner at Wellspring and understands the benefits of the alternative therapies & modalities available. Her family is raising money so that he can have this circulation restoration therapy available several times a day at home and as a device that he sleeps with to support and fortify his heart muscles before and after his upcoming heart surgery later this summer. This kid is smart and scrappy. He loves mechanics and is an artist, creating jewelry from spoons, he also makes homemade ice cream to the delight of his siblings!
Shepherd’s father & mother, 9 siblings, extended family & lifelong friends share a strong bond with him and eagerly anticipate his post-surgery success. If you’d like to send a prayer of encouragement or donate to this fundraising effort, please go to https://www.givesendgo.com/Shepsheart
Showing up for others reminds you of why you are here- to love. Encouraging broken hearts with the truth of how you see others is a courageous act that instills bravery and beats your own heart even deeper for what matters. One and all, fortify your hearts and infuse courage into one another’s lives. I love you for doing it!
Liz Evans passion for writing is a part of her identity. After decades of writing for herself, bodywork business, and now articles for print, it is time to write the stories that help those in crisis. Follow along with Liz’s writing journey at – https://elisabethjoyevans.com/
