My seven year old Henry is usually not far from my side when we are home. Sometimes when I am watching a video on my phone he will look over, and he almost always says, “Let’s give them a heart.” That is a really good depiction of his sweet personality. He would give hearts to everyone if he could. Video of a dog peeing on a stuffed animal? Give it a heart. Reel of a mom dancing to songs from her glory days? Give her a heart!
I personally love this about him, and it really has me thinking lately…why don’t I give out more hearts? Why am not liking more creative posts and cheering people on more? I have experienced first hand these last couple of months how much of an impact that encouragement can have on a person. Sure, I don’t want to place my value in the validation of others, and I don’t suggest you do either. But why are we sometimes so stingy with our encouragement? It isn’t hard, it is almost always free, and it can really make all the difference in someone’s day. At the risk of sounding dramatic, it could really even change the trajectory of their life!
For example, I spent months working on a new business plan. I researched, watched webinars, took courses, and tried different web platforms. I created a collection of artwork, researched printing companies, ordered samples, built a website, figured out how to add a promotional pop-up, learned what alt-text is, studied SEO, edited photos…you get the idea. I was very busy and used any “free” time here and there to make this dream a reality. When I first shared an updated photo and the news of my new project on social media, I received an overwhelmingly positive response. People were cheering me on and hyping me up more than I ever could have imagined. It really helped spark the fire to finish strong and get the last details in order before launching…but what if all those people hadn’t taken the time to “give me a heart” or leave a short encouraging comment? If I had heard crickets on that post, the only real method I had of spreading the word, what would that have done for my confidence? Where would that leave me today? Would I have had the guts to follow through? Or would I have thought that no one was interested and figured “what is the point”?
Thankfully I don’t have to find out what would have happened because I have incredibly supportive people in my local and online community. But it does make one stop and think…how hard is it for me to stop my scrolling for a second to like a post or maybe even take a few more seconds and leave a comment? When I think about the online legacy I want to leave and the things I want associated with my name, I don’t just want to be a taker. I want to give back. I want to uplift and encourage. I want to be the reason someone believes they can, not the reason they think they shouldn’t. I have challenged myself to be a better encourager, and I want to challenge you as well. Will you join me in giving hype and encouragement a little more freely? Sharing a small business’s page with your own followers or giving them a simple like could make a big impact. Let’s all work together to “give hearts” like Henry, freely and without hesitation.
*I already had this post drafted when I saw Flo Lee’s post about a similar subject. Check out her idea and her incredible portraits here.
Now go ahead, and make someone’s day.
XO,