Encouragement: the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope:

Criticism: the expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes

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“Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.” ~ Proverbs 12:25

Everyone is going through, has gone through, or will go through something. When we become better listeners, from a place of compassion, and care, others are inspired and reassured that they are not alone. We are precious plants in the garden of life. A gardener tends to his or her plants with tenderness and patience. We aren’t meant to be trampled and handled recklessly. We were created with love.

Let’s step outside of our tendency to focus on self, and encourage someone today. Use words that inspire and uplift. Words to build up, and not put down. Some are motivated by criticism due to…