Words of encouragement

Kind words and notions of encouragement are easy to say, but often go unspoken. People are more likely to say negative things than they are positive and I don't know why - nice things are just as simple to say.

Since being diagnosed, I've been lucky enough to encounter lots of kindess - both gestures and words. And it has definitely helped. It can turn a dark mood into a bright one, a frown into a smile, and remind you that there is beauty in the world.

This week I've experienced lots of kind words that didn't have to be said, but were, and that made a big difference to my week.

When I was at the gym doing a series of squats, an instructor walked past me and said, "Great technique! Keep it up!" Those simple words made me smile and even though my legs were burning, I did 'keep it up'.

A friend at work in response to my first blog post said to me, "I don't think your muscle has turned to mush, I just think it is focused on your heart and mind for a while." That one made me cry - good tears though.

I interviewed a prominent female Australian journalist and wrote a profile on her for the magazine I work for. Upon reading the article she said to me, "You're talented." This made my heart soar, as like most people, I am my own worst critic.

These were all easy things to say - each taking less than 10 seconds to verbalise. But the impact has stayed with me much longer and still, days later, brings a smile to my face and heart.