| Volume 1 #2 | November 2005

The Way of Embracing Encouragement – Part 2:
 Accepting Encouragement From Others

Ever hear of people that "can't take a compliment?" Somehow they are uncomfortable with being told that they excel in something, that they are people with something special to offer the world.  There are many different reasons for this. They may, for example, feel they are unworthy, or that to acknowledge this kind of encouragement would be showing egotism.

Yet, it's important to be able to accept encouragement from others. It leads you on the road to believing in yourself to accomplish those goals. There's something else you may not have realized when you accept encouragement: it's not just about you. When you accept encouragement from others, you are showing them affirmation as well.

For instance, I've known some musicians who have a tendency to deflect compliments on a performance, just because one or two things didn't work perfectly, or they are harsh on themselves. Fans would say how great they thought they were. Perhaps they didn't notice those little things the artists felt they did or didn't do...or it wasn't so important to them. Despite whatever imperfections were out there, they were affected by the songs or the artists and wanted to say so. Instead of accepting sincere praise, some artists would say they were "off pitch" or otherwise downplay their talents.

There are a couple of problems with this. When you react this way, you are in a sense telling people that their thoughts don't have an effect on you. That can be frustrating and disappointing to the person trying to encourage you. After a while, people may decide that there is no point to it anymore because their message is not getting through. Eventually, they might stop trying altogether...and you lose out on the great treasure of encouragement.

Modesty is an admirable trait, but be sure you are not taking it to the extreme. Accept the encouragement that people give to you as the gift it is.  Doing this will bless you and the giver...a true win-win situation.

Next issue: Believing in yourself

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October 2005

All original written material ©2005 Wendy Vickers. All Rights Reserved.