Quote No. 23 from Encourage Yourself Encourage Others by Anne Devine.
I’m feeling very grateful to have had the opportunity yesterday to take part in an Adler Cafe with the Adlerian Society UK Institute for Individual Psychology (ASIIP).
The topic we discussed was that of Encouragement asking how and why people might be discouraged at the moment?
We spoke about the importance of not going inwards in ourselves but to keep outward looking, showing concern for others and also showing ourselves empathy.
We noted the need to care for ourselves first in order to be able to care for others. Caring for others can have an uplifting effect on our own mental wellbeing. A sense of belonging keeps us connected.
We also considered how we can nurture encouragement and help people flourish during the challenges of Covid19.
Some responses included,
Tapping into our strengths
Reinforcing the strengths we see in others
Giving people space
Keeping focused on our priorities
Focusing on what’s within our control
Talking in positive ways about fear
Acknowledging those fears and accepting them, helping to normalises them
Finding ways to defuse fear and lead back to encouragement
Volunteering where possible
And of course the important role of humour.
We also discussed the importance of taking responsibility, facing up to the possibility of our own mortality or that of close relatives by having the difficult conversations about death. Putting a plan in place so other family members know our health care and/or funeral wishes. This can save a lot of upset when somebody becomes critically ill.
How and why might you be discouraged at the moment?
How can you Encourage Yourself Encourage Others?
Le grà,
Mindfully Marie xx

May 16, 2020 at 2:26 pm
These are such wonderful tips for this time Marie! We probably all need an extra dose of encouragement right now, and these are some concrete things we can do to help provide it, both to ourselves and others. Sending hugs!
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May 16, 2020 at 6:16 pm
Thank you Terri, I’m so glad you think so! Warm hugs to you also. X
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May 16, 2020 at 3:01 pm
Thank you for sharing!!.. I don’t get discouraged too often for when life puts obstacles in my path, I concentrate on what I must do to overcome rather than be discouraged because they are there… “The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.” -( Michel Angelo)… 🙂
Hope all is well in your part of the universe and all your tomorrows are filled with love and happiness and life is all that you wish for it to be!… 🙂
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May 16, 2020 at 6:18 pm
Thanks Dutch, your approach is fantastic…you face the challenge with a positive attitude and that’s half the battle!
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May 16, 2020 at 6:08 pm
You’re so right that helping others is a way to help ourselves! Beautiful, Marie. So glad you had the opportunity to participate in that!
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May 16, 2020 at 6:23 pm
Working from home, getting to be in contact with my students by phone and online has been one positive of lockdown. Seeing them achieve goals and enjoy our chats has also helped me!
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May 16, 2020 at 10:07 pm
sounds like a very fruitful interaction Marie, most encouraging 🙂
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May 17, 2020 at 7:04 am
They always are Kate, great opportunities for gaining new learning and insights! X
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May 17, 2020 at 8:21 am
way to go!
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May 17, 2020 at 2:44 am
I agree that it’s important not to go so inwards that we lose sight of the needs of others. Especially these days. Wonderful tips Marie.
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May 17, 2020 at 7:06 am
Agreed Miriam, now more than ever as that feeling of belonging is so vital to a healthy happy life. X
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May 20, 2020 at 9:40 am
Hi Marie.
Anne Devine here.
Really enjoying your blog. Thank you so much for your insights and positive affirmation for each of us.
You really live the authentic pathway of Encouragement… And your advice and warm friendly approach is hugely reassuring at this time.
Thanks, Marie.
Annexx
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May 20, 2020 at 2:40 pm
Hi Anne, thanks for sharing your lovely heart felt comment! I’ve really enjoyed sharing your insightful and empowering quotes and it has given me a focus during all these Covid filled weeks. i’ve enjoyed reading all the wonderful comments from readers and knowing that your quotes make a difference to their day. Xx
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