Words of Affirmation

A good way to verbally express love

‘I am loved and supported and I don’t have to go through life on my own. I can ask for help and comfort when I need it, and will give it back to others when they need it in return’

 ©Katie Piper

Hey dear friend, welcome to another newsletter week where I get to share awesome things with you, how are you and I truly hope this weekend brings good news to you.

One of the most important things in my life as a person has always been to treat people right when it comes to how I speak to them and how I encourage them with my words. Honestly speaking, I didn’t just decide or learn it all out once, it grew from my days in secondary school where I witnessed what hurtful words could do to people. So, living in this time and age, where everyone is going through the world and its hiccups and troubles, I am more convinced that words of affirmation can do a lot to support those around us.

Everyone supports differently, whether it is in words of affirmation or acts of service, but I think that if we are fair, words of affirmation give a significant quota of strength to those around you.

Ever heard someone say; ‘He said that to me and those words just sunk deep and I was pumped up’?

Ever heard someone say; ‘These words just gave me strength, thank you’?

The point is that, words of affirmation matter even as acts of service do.

But I want to correct a misconception about words of affirmation, I have heard people talk about it like it is only when someone close to you is going through rough roads, or when they are sick and down, or when they just lost their job or house, or when they just suffered from a heartbreak or when they just lost someone.

Dear friend, even in glorious times, words of affirmation matter.

I say this because I know firsthand what encouragement can do to strengthen someone’s zeal to keep doing well.

Frankly speaking, I am of the opinion that we should show words of affirmation even in times when there are no issues or challenges or when we think those around us aren’t facing one. I feel that they may just want to hear some form of encouragement and this doesn’t mean that something is wrong.

This is not a lover talk, this encompasses all our relationships; family, friends, partners, lovers, couples. Name it!

I have a friend that never fails to send me messages to ask me this one question ‘How are you doing’, sometimes he says ‘Do you know you will be known to the world, trust me when I read what you write, I am happy I am your friend, so that when you get so famous, people will know I know you’

Trust me, he is as much a brilliant writer, but he never agrees.

And that’s one person, I have friends who just reach out to me in the smallest ways to tell me how awesome I am doing and why they feel I should keep it up. I know you are reading, thank you.

I can’t write all your names but you deserve much more than what you currently are and my words to you is that you haven’t seen what God has in store for you, its not something to comprehend easily.

I also am of the opinion that as much as we receive words of affirmation, we should also learn to give them back, or just give it to those we care about.

When you hear of the beautiful things happening in the life of someone close to you, encouraging them and sending affirmative words will show them that they are progressing.

When we hear of something not so good happening, we can also use words of affirmation to strengthen them and make them feel so loved.

However, this doesn’t mean it has to follow a rule, rules make relationships hard, so shun them.

Words of affirmation come as a result that you thought about someone, and even tried to pray for them, then decided to send them a scripture encouraging their faith in God or something saying; hey man, so happy for what’s happening with you, keep winning.

I don’t think that’s hard.

Probably; hey girl, know it’s all so hard coping with all that’s been going on, praying and trusting God for you. He’ll come through!

A three-year relationship deemed for marriage broke up because the guy said he kept on waiting on the day she would tell him that he mattered but that it never came. According to him, he had never felt encouragement from her, he spoke about how his contract ended with a small team he played with outside the country and he almost became depressed, stuck with an injury and didn’t have the zeal to move on and she was nonchalant about it.

She probably isn’t a bad person, so don’t judge her. Some people don’t just know these things.

Many friendships have ended because of lack of affirmation, lack of showing the other person that you really care about them and all they are about. Lack of expressing being genuinely happy in good times and genuinely sorry in bad times. Lack of expressing interest or motivation to their total welfare and livelihood and also the lack of sensitivity to know when they need your words.

Words! They can hurt or heal

Words! They can break or bond

Words! They can strengthen or push down

Words! They can be sensitive or insensitive

Words! They can forge relationships.

Charlene M. Proctor said; I love watching how my positive statements dissolve negativity in others.

And I loved this part of the book she wrote on ‘The Women’s Book of Empowerment” because it is power and soul lifting. For me, I have always been a gentle talker, but one who loves to talk to people and encourage people, a good reason why I loved being a teenage teacher for many years because it gave me the opportunity to positively impact my sweet teens with a lot of words. Till date, I think it is one of my most treasured moments.

Dear friend, this is not to chastise you or scold you, you already know my letters are for you and I to deliberate on issues we are learning and unlearning from. This one is specifically to tell you that you can do better to those around you, you can change your perspective of when you should speak affirmations to the people you care about.

In the end, it is all about being there for those around us when they are still here.

‘Life is a mystery, people are smiling but are sick with burdens, some are just surviving, some are currently doing great but could use some pretty nice words lest they lose hope in their abilities. It is now when we can see them that these words matter’

Send those affirmative words, yes, you can do it.

Dear friend, I am quite happy I shared my thoughts with you, I am so grateful to you for always reading my letters, this weekend is about to be lit for you, so start prepping to manifest great things.

Kindly share, comment and don’t forget to hit the like button.

Till next time

Warm regards

Amanda Sibi.