Encouragement was so different when I was growing up in the seventies and eighties. You could invite someone over for dinner, take them out to dinner, send them a card, give them a call or bring over a casserole. We didn’t know much about each other back then, and a myriad of circumstances were hidden from public view. Depression. Job loss. Wayward children. Separation. Financial distress.

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As long as you were clean and behaved, no one would know.

In order to support someone, you had three options:

• you had to earn their trust, so they would tell you something was wrong.
• someone else could tell you and then you could act on that information.
• or, you could trust that spidey- sense and follow up with an offer to help.

And while many miss those days of privacy and “normalcy,” social media has changed all of it. We have a view into each others lives and even when one of us is trying to make it all look perfect, most of the time you can see the misalignment.

I see this grand social media experiment as a blessing. A connection to people I might never see and an opportunity to amplify waves of optimism and consideration. I’m not perfect, there are moments when I forget the good I can do and I fall into the rabbit hole of political squawking but most of the time I see the sea of need and I am compelled to dive in.

The truth is, you still have to earn the trust of those in your community, a much larger online community. You can see what is going on in a different way, in many ways it is a dichotomy of shallow and deep shares of information. The second sense, the foundation of that gift of encouragement that lives in every human being is still there, we are just using it in a different way.

So, whether you are one of those stalkers who never posts, or someone who lives online, here are

12 simple ways to encourage your online community.

• Celebrate with someone.

It could be their birthday, a new job, or an anniversary. There is so much difficulty going on in this world, why not stand in joy for the good you can see? Post on their wall. Tag them in a kind message. You could go so far as to send them a card! Just remember, and notice.

• If you think someone is doing a good job, send them a message.

It’s easy to feel no one is noticing you—unless someone responds. Give them a shout out. Let them know how much you appreciate them. Your attention may provide a bit of energy and inspiration to keep them going.

• Remember an event or moment someone someone shared with you and follow up by message.

People share important events and moments all the time. An upcoming birthday or an impending job loss. Walk a few steps of their journey with them and follow up with a message. There is nothing more encouraging than being remembered.

• Be personal. Don’t rattle off the happy birthday or use the canned message. Put your stamp on it!

Social media apps encourage connection by making it as easy as possible. Facebook lines up all the birthdays so you can remember. Linked In tells you about your friends’ new job. I suggest you utilize the opportunity but put your own personal spin on it. Realize everyone is sending them the same message and your extra effort will be noticed and appreciated.

• Plug in your expertise. For instance if someone is trying to lose weight, send them a favorite recipe.

I don’t want you to be overbearing but be ready to help others with your special brand of expertise. Offer up a recipe or special connection. It might be just want they need.

• Hook them up. You might know just the person someone else needs to know. Help them out!

This is one of my favorites. Connection is an important part of success. Share your favorite graphic design contacts or the place you find discount coupons to the amusement park.

• Contribute to their causes. When someone is fund raising for a mission trip or a project. Throw a few cents in.

Very few people enjoy asking for money. If the cause catches your eye, please give. It doesn’t have to be a lot. Every little bit helps and your donation may inspire someone else to give.

• Share! People with causes, missions and businesses need you. Be supportive!

It’s easy and it’s free. As someone sets out to change the world and make it a better place, be the wind in their sales by sharing their efforts with the people in your community. Don’t forget to tag your friends who might be interested.

• Show up. If you have time, share your time with them!

Organizing events online is a challenge. It seems people have forgotten the art of the RSVP. Sign up for the free class or the webinar. Be prepared to learn from others and enjoy the benefit of their gifts and expertise. You might surprised at what you learn and you will certainly encourage your friend to do more!

• Lift them up publicly. If someone helped you, share their name and your experience.

It’s so lovely to receive a testimonial for good work. While we mustn’t do good to be seen, we are also programmed to want to see fruit in our labor. If someone helped you in your journey, and made this world a better place or you, make sure you thank them and do it publicly. Why shouldn’t others benefit from the same experience?

• Allow them an opinion. Accept there are many people who are different than you and don’t argue online. In fact, thank them for their opinion.

It’s become quite the arguing place, social media. It’s easy to debate with someone when a screen separates you and a tough online conversation can be disheartening! In this contentious political climate, allow others the space for their opinion. Be respectful in your responses and seek to understand.

• Send them an e-mail.

I know it’s not cool, but think about it. Our e-mail boxes have become like our mailboxes, full of bills and sales. Why not spice up a mailbox with a note of love? I am very sure your encouraging note will make a difference in someone’s day!

What did I tell you? All free and all possible today. Remember, you are a powerful person and this social media thing is a privilege. Use your power to life your community higher with simple encouragement.

And make sure you check out my Youtube Channel and join me in The 180 Life Facebook group!