My stomach is all full of butterflies this week as plans are starting to become more and more clear for one of my biggest goals ever. I revealed in my summary of December’s goals that my plan for this year is to release a book, and after a wonderful conversation this week I feel much more prepared and confident to make that happen.

I happen to have an awesome friend that is also a writer. While she is fiction-focused she understands the work that needs to go in to pouring your heart into a written project. She also knows how important it is to have people cheering an author along. Man, oh man, am I incredibly thankful that God brought her into my life!

It started with a simple text, “How is your book writing going?”

Nothing deep, nothing profound, a simple question. From there it snowballed into the two of us bouncing ideas off one another, building on simple thoughts to create more complex projects. By the end of the conversation we were both giddy with excitement about the possibilities this contains.

After our conversation was over I realized how much it touched me that she reached out to encourage me in my dreams. And not only were her words filled with encouragement, she was enthusiastic in her responses and was just as excited as I was to see how everything plays out!

Encouragement is listed in scripture as one of many gifts we may be given:

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

— Romans 12:6-8, NIV

Imagine what the world could be like if we took the time to encourage each other’s pursuits with enthusiasm or excitement! What if the next time your child dreams up some creation, instead of dismissing it because of how messy it is or how time consuming it would be, you encouraged their creativity and helped them along with enthusiasm.

@@Imagine what the world could be like if we took the time to encourage each other’s pursuits@@ <–Tweet that

What if, when your spouse comes to you with a DIY idea, you get on board with plans, supply choices, and the actual implementation.

What if, when your friend begins her own business, you offer support, or purchase an item, or spread the word.

Clearly there are some ideas that aren’t great and you can approach the person with wisdom and kindness, but the rest of the dreams and endeavors? Be genuinely encouraging. It doesn’t take much time. My own motivation and excitement over a project was boosted because of a simple text exchange. I was blessed by her words and could feel her authentic enthusiasm for what I’m doing. And I think the world needs more of that.

Call someone. Text someone. Send a card to someone. A little reminder that what they are doing makes a difference or that you are behind their plans and ideas. That you believe in them. I dare you 😉