This morning, I taught the third grade class in the kids’ area of my church. The lesson was about Biblical figures who persevered through difficult circumstances and those who encouraged them along the way. To go along with that, we completed a seriously cool project with the main point being this: when times get tough, there are people who encourage us to persevere, and it’s important to recognize who they are and why they do it.
Step one was to create a crowd. We did that by tracing each other.
I borrowed my friend’s kid and served as the tracer for photography purposes.
The kids moved around the papers, tracing three friends on each to create an overlap effect. Then, we hung the papers around the room to create a crowd of faceless outlines. This is where the fun really begins.
The kids had to think of a person or two or three who encourages them when things get difficult and they want to quit. Maybe dance class is getting frustrating and your sister says just the right thing to help you push through to the recital. Or maybe you got a bad grade and your teacher encourages you by saying all the things you did well while explaining what still needs work. When they had a person in mind, they picked one of the outlines in the crowd and drew that person.
The crowd wrapped around the room.
In the end, we stood in the middle of the room, surrounded by the people who encourage us, and we shared who we drew and why.
Which brings us to the big question of this post: If you were to draw someone in the crowd, who would it be?
I’ll go first! I did draw one person in this crowd as an example to the kids: my mom. She looks totally amazing too, since I had thirty seconds to include her. But if I had more time, I’d add some other people to the wall.
I’d add my friends, Allison and John, because they believe in my work enough to provide endorsements and help me promote it.
I’d add my critique partners, Jay, Al, Dana, Jenny, and a handful of others for helping me polish my work to the best it can be.
I’d add Dan not only for being a CP but for giving me the necessary nudge to go indie, talking me through quit days, and for always challenging me to make my best work even better.
And of course I’d add my husband, Joe, who sees both the great and tough days up close and always knows the right thing to say.
As it turns out, if I added all the friends who have served as betas or told their friends how much they love my work on social media or simply sent a message telling me how much they enjoyed the story, I could populate the wall just with the people who encourage me. But I don’t want to hog all the space, so I offer the question to you again:
Who would you draw among the crowd of encouragers?
It can be one person or three or ten. Feel free to add relevant links, as I did. Let’s turn the comment section into a virtual crowd.
Allison Maruska 
When I was young it seemed like everyone encouraged me, but as I’ve gotten older the encourager group has dwindled to about two, maybe three, people. I don’t say this to be negative or sad, but to remind myself that remembering those early encouragers, even if they’re long gone, is a way to keep my encourager group from shrinking more. Food for thought here.
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That’s a good point. I think it’s normal for our group of encouragers to decrease as we get older. Probably gives more reason to be cognizant of them.
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Good Day to You Allison,
You are always supporting other authors and sharing positive life experiences with us.
You mention a lot of people who have helped you here, but let’s consider a big reason why people are willing to support you.
Helpers are easy to give support to.
With that in mind, let me add you to the wall.
Remember your posts on Twitter?
Because of those posts, I now have a growing presence for my brand.
As my journey continues in Internet and Affiliate Marketing, I am confident that Twitter will continue to grow as my most valuable way to engage socially.
It seems appropriate to help your visitors by reminding them of those awesome and helpful posts, by providing links back to them here with my appreciation:
The post that inspired me to take a closer look at Twitter:
“Can Twitter Really Help An Author – Part 1?”
https://allisonmaruska.com/2015/11/04/can-twitter-really-help-an-author-a-beginners-guide/
Helping use understand and leverage Hashtags:
“Can Twitter Hashtags Grow Your Following?”
https://allisonmaruska.com/2015/05/05/can-twitter-hashtags-grow-your-following/
This tip will help you keep that special Tweet prominent on your Twitter Profile with “Pinned Tweets”. You also help us cut down on all the “noise” and stay focused by showing us about “List Creation:
Can Twitter Really Help An Author – Part 2:
https://allisonmaruska.com/2015/11/09/can-twitter-really-help-an-author-part-2/
Of course, in order to be effective, it helps to know what is acceptable behavior:
“Twitterquette: To Thank Or Not To Thank?
https://allisonmaruska.com/2015/05/24/twitterquette-to-thank-or-not-to-thank/
Just my way of letting you know just how much connecting with you is greatly appreciated.
My Best to You
Arth
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Wow, thanks, Arth! You made my day. 😀
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That classroom is far too small to display images of everyone who’s helped and encouraged me!
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Ditto. And a few people would make more than one appearance.
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Oh, if we’re allowed duplicates, you don’t have ANY classrooms big enough. The school’s not big enough.
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What a neat idea, Allison! Very creative and fun for the students. My mom would have been my first one, too. Aren’t we lucky to have encouraging moms? :O)
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You bet! I can say with complete confidence that I wouldn’t be where I am without her.
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