Have you noticed that everyone seems to be looking for something? Some could tell you what they’re looking for: a better job, a spouse, a new outlook, a house, or a dream to come true. There are probably just as many who can’t put their finger on what they’re looking for, but they feel like something is definitely missing.

Like me, you probably cross paths with at least a few people a day and potentially dozens. What do you notice about them? The majority are busy, distracted, overcommitted, absorbed by their phones and possibly even a little grumpy. (And maybe you too are feeling all of these things!!)

This morning I listened to a refreshing message from prolific author and speaker John D Hanson. His book, Winning Secrets: How a Dictionary and a Ruler Can Change Your Life, is currently at the top of my book reading stack. John shares my fascination with words so I signed up for his emails which link to brief, but much-needed hits of positivity throughout the week.

John’s message highlighted to me that as a society, we’re suffering from an encouragement shortage. Many of us don’t even encourage ourselves.

When you’re out and about, consider the people you see most often, whether they’re co-workers, the barista, the store clerk, the postal worker, and seek opportunities to encourage them.

I went inside a convenience store to pay for gas one day. There was no one else in the store so I talked to the store clerk for a few minutes. I offered a very lighthearted encouragement. This pretty, young lady appeared to be confident and unflusterable. Until I spoke with her and we connected. She ended up weeping.

“Thank you so much! I needed to hear that today.” She shared that she’d lost both of her parents and was feeling very alone. I couldn’t tell that by looking at her.

We don’t know what’s going on in the hearts and minds of those around us. But we can take a moment and connect deeply with a few caring words. We can make the world a better, warmer place for at least one person. That’s worth something.

And if you were to do that every day, you’d touch the hearts of 365 people. I’ll leave you with two questions today.

When is the last time someone encouraged you?

When did you last encourage a friend or stranger? Please share your comments in the box below, I’d love to read them.

Check out John’s message The Power of Encouragement here.

John’s book is available for purchase here.