Word for the Week: ENTHUSIASM! (wk. 3=Jan. 18, 2010)

Well, once again, the word drawn is no accident. I've been so enthusiastic this week about working on finalizing the 2010 workshop schedule, learning how to better use the email program (there's truly a HUGE learning curve for me...), learning so much about technology,and, of course, looking forward to seeing "repeat attenders" and to meeting new folks at the workshops. In fact, I've been so darn Enthusiastic for the last several days that this word for the week is more like the word for the mid-week!

Here's a question for you (it's not a trick question): Who's more fun and pleasant to be around? Someone with zest, passion, excitement, and eagerness or someone you suspect may be Eeyore in disguise? Also, guess which person is "better" for you? (see next paragraph...)

Because feelings are contagious, it's in our best interest physically, psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually to "pick up" positive feelings and to stay clear of negative feelings.
Think about it: how do you feel after spending time with someone who's upbeat, excited, and passionate about something? Probably better than you feel after you spend time with someone who dreads everything, looks forward to nothing, and hasn't been excited or eager about anything since God made dirt. Enthusiasm is contagious. It's definitely something we want to "catch." And, it's definitely something we want to spread. Just as other peoples' feelings can affect us, our feelings can impact others. People tend to move toward folks who are enthusiastic about life and people tend to move away from folks who lack enthusiasm. I don't know about you, but I vote for being a person others tend to move toward.

Here's a good question to contemplate this week: Is there at least 1 thing I feel excited, passionate, eager, and Enthusiastic about? If there's not, you've GOT to find it. Just 1 thing.
Only 1 thing. And that 1 thing has the power to change your life in so many positive ways. Becoming an Enthusiastic person can begin with finding that 1 thing.

Just as Enthusiasm is contagious, so is the lack of it. Will you make a committment this week to begin spreading just a bit of Enthusiasm? If you already do this, will you make a committment to spreading just a bit more? Why is this so important? It's very simple: your Enthusiasm has the power to change the world and you in more positive ways that you can imagine.

Time to close now. Here are two quotes that really speak to our Word for the Week:

If you're not getting as much from life as you want to, then examine the state of your enthusiasm.
Norman Vincent Peal

Age may wrinkle the face, but lack of enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.
Danish Proverb

As always, I truly hope you find something helpful to you in this post.

And, as always, thanks for taking a moment of your time to read the posts.

Enthusiastically, :-)

Karen