Encouragement

Think of times that discouragement comes. There's also a remedy for it. Looking past the discouraging situation, and allowing others' needs and supplications to fill our hearts, is the solution to squelch this nonproductive mental state. It definitely squeezes out any self-pity, as the realization comes that there's power to help others with prayer, service, and fellowship.
It takes effort to have the mindset that focuses on others rather than on oneself. But the rewards are innumerable. It takes courage to step outside the comfort zone which we are accustomed to. Perhaps that is why the word 'courage' is contained in the compound words 'encouragement' and 'discouragement'. It also clearly shows that there's a choice to make between the two words. Let's choose right.