In a world filled with so much cynicism, criticism, and discouragement, affirmation is a precious gift, and during the Christmas season, I encourage you to give it.

Most everyone I know, myself included, has doubts, fears, and hesitations about where their life is headed and who they are becoming. Like a delicate vase, our self-esteems are so fragile and can be broken by the words of others in an instant. And they have been.

Most of us have had words spoken over our lives that have absolutely crushed us. Parents, friends, relatives, bosses, co-workers, teachers, and complete strangers are all capable of uttering words that are hard to recover from. Words that leave a scar on our lives that cannot be removed. Words that give us nightmares. Words that cause us to lose all desire to try something new. Words that leave us wounded.

But in the same way that criticism can destroy a life, affirmation can restore it!

Affirmation of gifts, talents, and abilities, Affirmation of progress made. Affirmation of victories achieved. Affirmation of success experienced. Affirmation of character traits displayed. Affirmation of goals accomplished. Affirmation of potential recognized. There is so much we can affirm in others!

AND TO GIVE IT COMES AT NO FINANCIAL COST TO YOU!

All you need to do is invest your awareness - Who do you need to affirm? Your thought - What do you need to affirm in that person? And your energy - When will you do the affirming?

Please, I encourage you to give the gift of affirmation this Christmas season. This may seem extreme to you, but my belief is this: someone's personal joy and belief in themselves may be depending on it.