The Power of Encouragement

Good morning.

Two frogs named John and Jack fell into a deep pit together. At first, they thought it would be easy to jump out. But after lots of failed attempts, they cried for help and a crowd of animals gathered around the pit.

Everyone agreed it was hopeless so they urged John and Jack to accept their fate. The harder the trapped frogs jumped, the more the crowd yelled at them to give up. Finally, John stopped trying. Jack refused to quit and with one mighty try, he leaped out of the pit.

The crowd was amazed. Someone asked him why he kept trying when everyone told him he had no chance.

Jack was baffled. “What are you saying?” he asked. “I’m a bit deaf. I was sure you were all cheering me on. I couldn’t have done it without your encouragement.”

I learned of this story from a woman who was in a transitional housing program recovering from a long period of drug abuse, homelessness, and hopelessness. She wanted everyone to understand how important positivism and encouragement can be to help people who seem down and out to get up and out. She said she got out of her own pit because caring people helped her believe in herself and gave her the confidence she needed to jump a little harder.

There will always be people in your life ready to tell you what you can’t do. Real friends root for you, support you and help you discover your inner talents and strengths.

I hope you will find and treasure those kinds of friends and be one yourself.