September 12 was designated as the National Day of Encouragement by the 112th Congress on September 13, 2011. (Read the text of the bill here: Senate Resolution 264.) It was a bipartisan effort of Senator Mark Pryor (D-Arkansas) and Senator John Boozman (R-Arkansas).
If you don't click on the text of the resolution, it is paraphrased here:
- Because negative images, stories, and influences in our daily lives can affect our emotional well-being, not to mention interactions with others, and
- Because our young people need guidance, inspiration, and reassurance to counteract negativity and to develop the qualities of character essential for future leadership,
The Senate of the United States realized how important it was to encourage, rather than discourage, one another and passed a resolution making a special day to call attention to that fact. A friendly smile. A thoughtful gesture. A kind word. None of this costs us anything, and the benefits can be huge for the recipient, and for you as well.
September is also National Suicide Prevention Month, and Sept. 21-27 is National Farm Safety and Health Week. There are many opportunities to reach out, do good for others, whether through an act of service, a thoughtful letter or even words of kindness.We all need a little help sometimes, and we all hurt sometimes. Be there for someone.
Maybe, just maybe, your actions will help someone overcome a difficult circumstance or help them realize that they are not alone.