Say “Yes, Lets” A Gentle Way in Encouraging

Yes, Lets

“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get people interested in you.” — Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence People

In a world that often measures productivity by personal milestones and individual success, it’s easy to overlook the quiet or simply what others do when no one else is looking, behind the scenes. I see endless stories of comparing and contrasting of what talented people do to themselves by removing their passions based on the phenomena of “what others have and I don’t” mentality.

This is how I image us all being at moments, when we compare to other outside of ourselves

This is where love comes in as huge unwaning light, even when other light bulbs around flickers, it is hidden power of strength when you can take the opportunity in simply supporting others. No Matter How Absurd their stories may lie, simply say YES, LETS goes a long long way. I’ve come to believe fully — through both reflection and real experience — that honesty encouraging others into doing what they want to do is one of the purest forms of love.

It begins with a simple act: listening. I’ve learned over the years that one of the best ways to love someone is to really listen, not to fix or direct, its to genuinely and willingly go with their “punches”, to respond with an open heart and say, “Lets.”I noticed, people love hearing their own voice. Not out of ego, due to our voices carry our dreams, our ideas, our beginnings. When someone is speaking about something they love whether it’s a business plan, a video game, or a late-night idea, man, they shine. People start showing you the raw material of their soul, it can be vulnerable, passionate, heck even emotional, staying with them and opening my two ears to receive is a gift — What’s loving to help that version of them bloom just by listening, not being interjecting and say “how about this” or “that” not putting my opinions, judgement or otherwise. To hold space where their voice is not only heard, but valued! Is Something I strive to embody each day.

“Giving people the feeling that their words, thoughts, and desires matter gives them the courage to take the next step.” — Henry A. Overstreet, The Mature Mind

In my own journey, I’ve found that when I walk with someone toward their passion, I don’t lose myself — I actually rediscover myself. When a close friend wants to play video games, I join even if I’m tired. Not just for them, its also for myself because it awakens the playful part of me that sometimes sleeps beneath the day’s duties. That “yes” becomes a mirror: when I support their dream, I reconnect with mine.

There’s a beautiful reciprocity in encouragement. Robert Greene beautifully writes

“The ability to give people a feeling of power — making them feel strong, useful, and creative — will, in turn, draw people to you and give you power.” — Robert Greene, The 48 Laws of Power (Law 11: Learn to Keep People Dependent on You)

This isn’t manipulation — it’s emotional generosity. When we stand up for someone else’s passions, they often find the strength to stand up for ours too. We move from transaction to equivalent exchange, a principle not of fairness alone, of love in action. And in doing so, we create a shared space where both dreams can thrive

“It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed.” — Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich

This way of being this gentle championing of others isn’t loud. Because the truth - the real truth man is always found in the middle.

So next time someone says, “I’ve been thinking about…” or “Would you try this with me?” say Yes. Stand beside them in their idea, their experiment, their whim, their chaos, their joy. Not to be agreeable or agree with everything its to be a gardener of their growth, watering their seeds, so in turn the universe can return the watering back to you, and it could be them right back :)

Love is listening. Love is encouraging. Love is saying, “Yes, let’s.”