Next up: Look for folks who need cheering up or cheering on and be ready to offer words of encouragement. For the next ten days, keep an eye out for opportunities to give someone a boost.
Tips for encouragement messages
Hallmark’s team of writers has your back.
Here are some tips if you need a jump-start for your own messages:
Who needs a pep talk?
Everyone experiences self-doubt once in a while. Is a friend, coworker
or kiddo you know feeling discouraged? Get out your metaphorical
megaphone and give them the cheering up they need.
Who’s had a big win?
Picture someone who worked hard to achieve something or a coworker who’s
really on a roll. Call out the hard work they’ve been doing and put an
enthusiastic “high five” into words.
Who’s great at being a grown-up?
Is a friend or relative doing some good parenting? Or excelling in a new
gig or tough project? Or just really holding it together during a
challenging time? Tell them you’ve noticed, you’re impressed and you
think they’re amazing.
Who’s making healthy life changes?
Losing weight, exercising, quitting smoking or drinking, leaving a toxic
relationship…if any of this was easy, the self-help industry wouldn’t
exist. Congratulate your friend on their choices and let them know
you’re happy they’re taking good care of themselves.
Who might not get much mail?
Young adults in their first apartments. Folks in retirement homes. The
hardest workers at a neighbourhood business. They could all use a
friendly hello, a “thinking of you” or a word of encouragement…sign it,
seal it and send it.
Who is quietly, consistently good at what they do?
Folks who don’t call attention to themselves don’t always get the praise
they deserve. Think of someone whose attention to detail, promptness,
ingenuity, friendliness, expertise, professionalism or intuition makes
them an absolute delight, and tell them exactly how and why.
Who needs to hear they’re a great parent?
Is it someone with a new baby or a teenager…or someone who raised you?
Reassure them they’re handling things beautifully…or let them know how
their choices as parents made you who you are today.
Who needs to know they’re an awesome kid?
Watching kiddos experience hurt feelings and heartbreaks is the worst.
You can’t fix everything, but you can reassure them they’re funny, kind,
creative, smart, talented…and so very, very loved.
Who could use a reminder of their own worth?
There are lots of reasons people struggle with self-esteem. Think of
someone who shrugs off compliments, deflects praise or puts themselves
down. Give them a sincere, detailed list of what makes them wonderful in
writing, so they can reread it when they need a boost.
Who stands up for what they believe in?
Thank someone who makes the world better by volunteering, chairing a
committee or joining a cause. They speak up, stand up and show up—so
tell them you appreciate their strength and admire their passion.