Enthusiasm – A Choice and A Key To Life
Norman Vincent Peale said, “If you have zest and enthusiasm you attract zest and enthusiasm. Life does give back in kind.” Henry David Thoreau said, “None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.” Steve Siemens says, “When you stop looking for a rose, you will seldom find one. When you stop looking for the good, you seldom find good. When you stop looking for positivism, you won’t find that either. And when you stop looking for enthusiasm, enthusiasm stops looking for you.”
Enthusiasm costs you nothing and requires no college education or advanced training. If you embrace it, it’s yours. It’s yours for as long as you apply it, hold on to it, and seek it. Enthusiasm is contagious – others get it when around you. It draws people to you and keeps them coming back. Not because you have it “all together”, but because you hold it together. Problems become opportunities and challenges become opportunities for growth. You have a great sense of purpose when you live with enthusiasm. There is a reason to get out of bed every morning and fulfill not only your dreams and goals but also your purpose. You see things other don’t and won’t see. You feel great when things are upside down. Oh, you won’t be laughing with fake emotion. You’ll be facing life with real understanding that the challenges are temporary and tomorrow will be better.
There are many things to detour you today, to rob you of your joy, to provide moments of discouragement and even loss of hope. There are many uncertainties and tons of negativism. If you aren’t careful, you can get caught up in the “negative dark” side and become one of those basement people no one enjoys. Or, you can keep everything in balance, and perspective.
My life just keeps getting better. Each year is more fulfilling, rewarding, and fun. There is a zest (keen enjoyment, gusto) for tomorrow because I will face tomorrow with enthusiasm. I plan on living so enthusiastically, I can’t fail!
Will you join me?
These are just my thoughts on a Thursday morning.
The People Builder
Steve Siemens, CSP
