Encouraging Your Next Guest
Love is the foundation of any encouragement; it is a selfless love that can speak louder than words and actions. Are you genuinely excited about your next guest?
This blog is about ways to encourage from the heart of hospitality; I believe it is to share your space, life, and yourself with them.
I’ve said in past blogs that many of us have grown up to “Deny Ourselves” for others, and every time we fake it or push or ignore our feelings; we can get bitter each time. Have you ever talked yourself out of something? I have! Plenty of times.
How about talking yourself INTO something?
Talking yourself into something is different than faking the funk, and it is getting in the habit of finding the good, the admirable, the blessings. As in life, we are complicated humans with good and bad traits. How about brainstorming the good and meditating on it?
When I focus on the good, the door opens. When I write what is good, all the windows of my heart swing open with a breeze. As if I was in a beach house looking into the ocean. You might think I’m weird, and I am, and I choose to explore without limits on paper.
Prompt Question: What could happen if you talk yourself INTO something while focusing on the good only? Please write it down. Bring those thoughts to a tree (paper).
Putting it down on paper is the window to the possibilities of your own heart. Writing your feelings down is the beginning of sitting with yourself before you sit with anyone else.
Have you heard of the Full Cup quote/analogy? “It’s better to give out of a full cup than an empty one.” Writing is the emptying of our fears to fill up hope. And the same goes for encouraging our guest friends.
Release yourself of your junk first
Have you considered that some of the “negative” thoughts about your next guest(s) can be from your doubts and insecurities?
Prompt Question: What is worrying you? What are some of the insecurities? What are you afraid of her seeing in you? Stay unreasonable in your writing.
Read it out loud. Then read it out loud again at 70% speed, meaning slower. And if you’re feeling brave and daring, add a deep breath after reading it at 70% speed. They are what they are! Be gentle with yourself.
You are human.
When I write down my insecurities, fears, and doubts, I get to release them to God. It’s my “confession time” sort of speak. I’m responsible for airing out these feelings, accepting them for them, and letting them go on paper.
I love to watch Jimmy put water on our Camping fire pit after a meal. Water cools off the fire, like when I let go of the junk with writing. You may be wondering, “what the heck Patty! I thought this blog was about what to do to encourage my next guest.”
This blog is about how to BE encouraging WITH your next guest.
How to be yourself, by accepting yourself first so encouragement can be pure and honest. My goal is for you to share yourself! The things in your house are yours. Your body, yours. Your mindset, yours.
Your guest came to see you.
Your experience is the opening of the story and the memories you both get to write together. What do YOU like to do? What places bring both of you joy?
You already got your journal and pen out, so let the brainstorming begin. How about a suggestion text with this friend? “Hey, I’m going to take you to First Watch; I love the food and environment!” “Hey! We gotta do tennis; I’m so glad we get to play again!” “Okay, Cafe 1819, this is our spot when you come!”
Ask and stay curious.
When I stay secure in who I am and what I can bring to the table, I’m more open to others, especially my close friends. Even if I strongly disagree with politics and religion because I know I’m flawed and imperfect.
Let’s be loyal friends.
Encouragement comes from a genuine love for what we choose to accept about ourselves and others. Dare to empty your doubts and fears on paper. And stay curious and vulnerable.
Leave your comments below and share this blog with a friend.
Love,
Me.
