Encouraging Dreams: To More Than I Can Be

Today I was commenting on Jim Bessey's reply to my comment at 99 Ways to Edit and Revise Anything You Write, and this had me wondering why I love the word 'encouragement' that I tend to use often. Here is a copy of the comment thread from his post. 

Mandy: Well done, Jim. And congrats for putting this post together. I have to say I am guilty of those ten filler words that can slip into any writing with ease and stay there unnoticed. That was the part that caught my interest the most.

I’m currently editing my book draft – First edit. I’ve saved this page so I’ll have these handy tips ready for immediate reference. Thanks for putting this together for us. Timely and very helpful.

Jim: From my experience, Mandy, you’re most guilty of spending too much time helping other writers find ways to earn money for their efforts! :-)
Best of luck with your upcoming book. I’m glad you found this post useful for editing and revising your draft. Are you writing a novel, or crafting a non-fiction work?

Mandy: LOL. Guilty as charged, Jim, but then I’m still trying to figure out what my ulterior motive is in trying to help other writers. :) However, I can’t think of anything specific, other than it gives me great delight in encouraging others to believe in themselves and ‘write’. According to me, a writer’s journey can be very lonely and tedious, but with a bit of encouragement it can be fun and adventurous, taking us ALL places.

Currently I’m working on a Children’s Book named ‘Tambalacoque’ which was written in November 2012 and set aside for a better time; for when I was finally ready to edit my work (which is now, apparently). This is my first novel and so I’m very excited to be working on this. Most of my writing career I never actually believed I could be a storyteller, but there are a few good friends who have gently nudged me in this direction. I’ve already decided on the publisher I hope to work with and so what remains is my part of first editing my drafts well. Thanks for asking, Jim. :) I could use all the support and encouragement possible to motivate me to keep at it.

I love the word 'encouragement'.  It is also part of what Mandy's Pages is built upon: 'Encouraging Dreams'. Encouragement is such a positive and empowering word that even when we try to ignore it, the potential of positive and genuine encouragement just radiates through.  Other synonyms that come to mind are motivate, help, build up, empower, nudge, support, instill hope into, live in hope, have faith in, build up confidence, be productive, have a heart, to uplift, praise, love, unite,  positivity, to be optmisitic and here's my favorite - Dream (to be more than I can be). 

There have been no posts from me so far this year as many of you are aware I am going through a 'rest a while' phase that will help me 'run a mile' in my writing hopefully soon.  Nonetheless, before this month is over, I'd like to wish all my readers a wonderful 2014.  May this year be one of positive encouragement, daring you to dream, and that which takes you places with your writing, with your careers and with uplifting your soul. 

With encouragement and a positive mindset we give ourselves room for improvement, we are able to believe in the hidden potential that is within each of us and we begin to see moment-by-moment changes that give us reason to 'keep on'. For me personally, encouragement builds up my faith in God and in mankind.  With positive encouragement we also begin to understand that all closed doors of the past years are just fresh opportunities for realizing our many dreams. Even though we may have faced failures and hurdles, positive encouragement will help us hold our heads up high. All is not lost. 

Do not be afraid to encourage one another and be encouraged. Life would be meaningless if we didn't have a reason to live.  Tap into the real person that is hidden inside you and reap the rewards of an encouraged and uplifted spirit. 

Dare to dream!

(I've tried to embed the link to the song 'You Raise Me Up', but for some reason it will not embed. I love this song. You might enjoy listening to it too.) 

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

(You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban) 

Image Credit: Encouragement, Dove in Flight, Wikimedia Commons by Sh1019