By cultivating the beautiful we scatter the seeds of heavenly flowers, as by doing good we cultivate those that belong to humanity. - Robert A. Heinlein
For James
We may never know how many dreams may have been destroyed by the words of others or how many lives took a different turn because of lack of encouragement.
What if you could have been a very different person if only someone did not repeat it to you over and over again that you were useless? What if you gave up a long time ago because people who loved you told you that you would never make it in life? What if someone told you that you were too stupid, too ugly, too poor, too young, too old, to even make it in the big world? What if that person was someone you loved and trusted?
What if the chronic seed of insecurity was planted in your heart a long time ago and today you still struggle to become a respected human being?
I know people who had chosen "smaller" lives because their wings were cut off when they were young. Like many others I also gave up some dreams because I was told that people so much "better" than me could not make it in a particular field. Why would I even want to waste my time and energy when so many others have failed. This was back in high school and when I look back today, I still regret that I listened to my teacher who, instead of motivating her pupils, implanted in them the seeds of self doubt.
Don't get me wrong. One can still have a very successful and fulfilled life even if one gave up his early dreams, but this is not what I want to talk about in this article. Instead, I want to concentrate on the fact that everything we say has consequences.
Words carry enormous energy. It doesn't matter whether it is your private self talk, or whether you voice your opinions and criticize others. Every time you say something you plant a seed. Why not plant a seed of excellence? Sometimes a good word is all a person needs to see the light. A good word might be all a person needs to feel worthy again.
You may realize that sometimes your good words may be falling on a barren ground, but this should not discourage you from trying to motivate others. Some people have such strong beliefs about themselves that no amount of encouragement will help them change the direction of their lives. But there are many others who simply cannot believe that what they've got is all they deserve in life.
Imagine that you have met someone who was constantly discouraged and forgot to believe in himself. In a short time you realize that this person is a goldmine of knowledge and has some hidden talents. Imagine that your words of encouragement wake up his old desire to do exceptional things. Imagine that this encounter could change that man's life forever.
This happens over and over again when people meet up with motivational speakers or success coaches. The good word sparks a wave of enthusiasm and a will to change. If this can happen to adults, why not encourage kids when they are still full of hope. Why not teach them to dream big? Why not plant a seed of excellence?
And remember to plant a seed of excellence in your own heart because you too are good and worthy and no one can take this away from you. But if you have nothing good to say to others or to yourself, do not say anything at all because your vitriol may cause more harm than you can even imagine.
Dominique Allmon
Dominique Allmon©2026
This article was first published here
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