One of the benefits of “going public” by writing blogs is the opportunity to receive encouragement. I’m not entirely sure what my actual goal was in starting down this path…But I’m finding the support via kind praise to be very, well, encouraging.

Though intrinsic motivation and self-satisfaction are likely the ideals, when others validate my creative endeavors, I feel darn good. Although I usually assume praise is a mere nicety, rarely founded and often coupled with alternative motives, my mother always said of those who praised me, “Hey, he didn’t have to say anything at all.” True…true.

Perhaps, whereas praise is offered for a task completed (approval, commendation), encouragement is offered in aid of completing a challenge. But praise also functions as encouragement…Anyhow, I find it interesting to note how praise has been a necessary (well, practically) function in most of the professions I’ve tried and enjoyed…I mean, what could be more rewarding than doling out the praise to others and in turn encouraging them. To me, this is a huge part of being a teacher and something I just don’t do often enough.

Note to self: Praise more often thereby encouraging.

I suppose I’m wondering if praise/encouragement is offered as often as it could be, and if not, why not?

(The Free Dictionary has a great page about encouragement)