It's easy to give advice on trials that have caused you to stumble. It's harder to talk about those that have knocked you flat.

It's one thing to give out excellent advice, but quite another to personally swallow it.

Believing in yourself is enough, but it sure is nice when another's kind words of encouragement kiss your ear. There is genuine strength in verbal expressions of support.

How does knowing 'things could be worse' than what I already deem awful make me feel any better? You mean I could sink even lower? Oh joy!

To fight discouragement, remind yourself of the basics: I can write.I have the opportunity to do so. I love what I write. Now smile and be thankful.

To encourage me is to believe in me, which gives me the power to defeat dragons.