Choosing to Encourage, Motivate, and Inspire

In a world filled with so much rage, chaos, and uncertainty, it’s sometimes difficult to face the day-to-day situations we encounter on a continuing basis. Fortunately, we don’t have to bow to the pressures of the world around us and join their chorus of negativity and criticism — whether at home or in the workplace. We can do something totally foreign to many and considered “living in a dream world” by others. If we choose to follow a different path, they may even say, “You can’t go around denying reality.”

I agree with that — but that’s not what I’m suggesting at all. What I am proposing is something that will not only help other people have a better day (and quite possibly a better life) but also help them gain confidence in themselves and what they do.

Years ago, I began writing a small newsletter for a group I was part of. What started as a simple way to share thoughts with a handful of people gradually grew into something I hadn’t anticipated — a genuine outlet for encouraging others on a regular basis. Over time, the audience changed, the venue changed, and the name changed. But the mission never did. That mission eventually found its home here at Living It Daily, and it can be summed up in three words: encourage, motivate, and inspire.

Those three words are often overlooked in the lives we lead today. More often than not, people are far more likely to feel despondent, discouraged, and beaten down by those they’re associated with — whether from those in leadership positions above them or from their peer groups and acquaintances. I made a decision a while back to push against that tide, and the result has been something I didn’t fully expect — better relationships, deeper connections, and a greater sense of purpose in the everyday moments of life.

The people in our lives matter, have much to offer, and are essential. Sometimes they need to be encouraged; at other times they need to be admonished. That admonishment should never be harsh — but at times it must be firm. There’s an art to knowing the difference, and most of us are still learning it.

We don’t have to look far to see the attitude of many people. It’s on full display daily as we travel the highways and byways to and from the places we need to be. Many of us encounter “road rage” in one form or another on our daily journeys. Sometimes we do make mistakes while driving and are met with verbal and visual tirades from those we’ve inadvertently agitated. And honestly? We sometimes react the same way ourselves. (I really wish I didn’t need to include that last part — but I haven’t yet gained complete control over my own reactions to those moments, either. I’m working on it.)

Unfortunately, we often don’t know what’s going on in the lives of those who pull out in front of us or do something else that upsets us. We tend to react to how they’ve disrupted our world with little thought about them or what might be going on in theirs. Perhaps they just received some bad news, lost a loved one, got fired from their job, or broke up with someone they cared about. Maybe they simply made a mistake, had a lapse in judgment, or their mind wandered for a moment. We just don’t know, do we?

From where I stand, there is already enough criticism and negativity in this world. It is time to encourage, motivate, and inspire each other to rise higher. We all need a little grace extended our way sometimes — and recognizing that the people we encounter are just as human as we are means giving them a break, too.

So here’s a challenge I’d like to leave with you: this week, find one person who could use a word of encouragement — someone you might otherwise overlook, or who may not even seem to deserve it — and give it to them. It doesn’t have to be grand or eloquent; sometimes the simplest words spoken at the right moment are the ones people carry with them for years. You may never know the difference it makes. But then again, you just might.

See ya soon…

Hey, this is Russ, and I’m still Living It Daily… See ya next time…

All views expressed are strictly the opinion of the writer

© May 25, 2026 – all rights reserved

Rusty Norman, LivingItDaily.com

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