Welcome to Day 25 of 31 Ways to Embrace Lopsided Living!

Today’s post is all about something I always MEAN to do … but often fail to accomplish. It’s one of those things that makes its way to my “to do” list every week and then gets bumped to the next week’s list.I know it’s important. I know it matters. And I love it when people do it for me.But somehow, in the middle of writing, laundry, and assuring the dog he doesn’t have to bark at every little sound, this is often what remains undone. Maybe you will be able to relate?A huge part of Lopsided Living is recognizing life isn’t about me {anyone else’s life shaken up by that first line in Rick Warren’s incredible book, The Purpose-Driven Life?}. And one of the best ways to remember that is by doing this —Can I tell you why I usually fail in this area?It goes back to perfectionism and the need to do everything instead of something. I create these grandiose ideas about how I can reach out and encourage to others. So I plan to handcraft a beautiful card or bake a cake or send a gift card and then life happens and my plans fall through. Why? Mostly because I forget how adding anything affects everything.So I’ve been thinking about some realistic ways I can encourage someone without stretching myself too thin. Maybe one or two of these will resonate with you as well.

Ten Simple Ways to Encourage Someone

So there you have a few ideas. And of course, I bet you know exactly what today’s challenge is:In fact, just to help us all be accountable, share a quick comment about what you will do today to reach out to someone else. I’ll start: I’m going to a coffee shop to (hopefully) finish the Praying for Girls manuscript today. So, I’ll smile and give the barista my full attention and ask her how her day is going rather than just placing my order.What about you? What is a simple way you can encourage someone today?Living lopsided,Teri LynneYesterday’s post: People are the priority!Coming tomorrow: Enjoy community.Index to every post in this series here.

MAKE IT A POINT TO ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TODAY!