Encouragement – pass it on…

The other night I was on the couch writing. I usually have the TV on as a background noise. I can’t remember if it was UEN or one of the other programs that run on public television, but one of their commercials suddenly caught my eye.

The camera shows parents sitting in the audience both realizing their son is not with them and a grand piano on the stage. The camera cues to a young boy that starts playing the piano. The parents are embarrassed and trying to figure out how to go get their son. But before they can, the pianist appears and instead of pushing the kid out of the way, he whispers “Don’t stop, keep playing” and then stands behind the boy and helps him play. Afterwards both of them bow thank you to the audience. The camera cues to the audience clapping and the parents that are giving them a standing ovation. A young voice then says “Encouragement – pass it on” a message from the Foundation for a Better Life. [click on below link to view the video].

http://www.values.com/inspirational-stories-tv-spots/100-Concert

We can learn a lot from our young and upcoming generation. They haven’t added the “I can’t do”, “I’m not good enough”, or “I’m too old” filters yet. In their minds they can.

As adults why do we change that kind of thinking? Why do we suddenly start thinking we can’t do and stop pursuing our passions and dreams? And why do we try to stop our younger generation from thinking they can?

So today, go out and encourage someone you know to go for their dream, passion or just anything you know they have been thinking of doing. It doesn’t have to be a life changing thing. Be that person that encourages someone. Ask a stranger what they have always wanted to do but haven’t and encourage them to go for it (unless that is to go rob a bank, then please don’t encourage them).

Encourage yourself to go for it. Put up a note or a picture on your fridge to remind you. Start living your life of no regrets. Bring that childlike nature back into your life. Remove those filters and go pursue your passions, your dreams, your goals and start living your life the way you want to. Go travel. Work on your bucket list. Learn a new language. Start doing the things you have always wanted to do.

Life is short. Make sure you don’t spend it spinning in a wheel not going anywhere.