Enthusiasm!!!
by Marie T. Russell
 I have noticed that some days, I
wake early, full of energy and zest. I get up feeling ready to "take on" the
world.
On the other hand, there are some
mornings where I can't seem to get moving. Now, I am not talking of those
mornings when I may be physically tired and need the extra sleep. I speak rather
of those mornings when I've had enough hours of rest, yet can't seem to get
motivated to "rise and shine".
At those times, I ask myself what it
is that I want to escape. "What is it in my life that keeps me from feeling
enthusiastic about the upcoming day?" Of course it is easy to lay the blame on
someone else. It's so-and-so's fault I'm angry, it's their fault I'm depressed,
etc.
Yet when I'm honest with myself it's
always my action (or inaction) that is the source of my lack of energy.
Sometimes, it is a call that I have been putting off because I fear it won't be
successful; at other times, there is a situation or person that I don't want to
deal with. There is usually something I am trying to avoid, and rather than have
to face it, my avoidance is translated into a listless feeling of wanting to
stay in bed. Rather than find a constructive way to deal with the situation,
sleep seems to be the easier route. So I avoid taking responsibility by slipping
into a state of avoidance, of listlessness.
The question is: is that really the
easier way -- to procrastinate and try to avoid what we fear about the
day ahead of us?
You can't put anything off forever.
You may think that you can, that you have shelved something "forever", yet your
sub-conscious will remember and keep reminding you in subliminal ways. You will
carry that feeling of the `blah's' until you deal with what is causing you to
feel that way.
Unresolved issues are a drain on
your energy. It is as if you have a tube connected to the `problem' and energy
keeps leaking from you until you sever the connection by changing your attitude,
taking action, and resolving the issue.
- Are you enthusiastic about life?
- Do you wake up excited to face
another day?
- Are you interested in your work,
and are you involved in it with intensity, energy, and zeal?
- Are you doing what you would
choose to do were you to make a completely fresh start?
- Are you committing your time to
activities you enjoy?
For one to live a happy and
fulfilled life, the answer to these questions needs to be an enthusiastic YES.
Otherwise, you are dragging yourself about, performing tasks which don't really
interest you.
So, if you wake up in the morning
and feel as if you don't want to get up out of bed, I would suggest you take
responsibility for that feeling and ask yourself what it is you are running from
and then deal with the situation.
Once you've get rid of those
"unsolved mysteries", you will find that you've regained your lost enthusiasm
and your life will be much more enjoyable. The avoidance of expected pain or
imagined confrontations translates into a mediocre existence lacking in joy and
vitality. Your level of vibrancy will be very different when you affirm and
practice an enthusiastic and responsive approach to life.
Life can be joyful and happy. You
can be like an exuberant child again -- eager to face the toys and joys
of the day, and wanting to participate in all of the excitement life has to
offer.
Take a look at your life and see
where you are siphoning off your own energy. Fix your `leaky pipes' and live
your life enthusiastically, always expecting the best, and looking forward to
what each new day will bring.
Life's purpose is to live
creatively, fulfilling our innermost and highest desires. Go for it!
When you reach for your dreams and
jump into them enthusiastically, taking responsibility for your thoughts and
actions, you will be a much happier (and healthier) person.
Recommended book:
180 Ways to Spead Contagious Enthusiasm... The "How To" Handook for Everyone
by Barbara A. Glanz.
Bring more caring, communication,
respect, and appreciation to the place where you work. Whether you are
an employee or a manager, spread your contagious
enthusiasm and make a difference every single day!
Info/Order this book
 About The Author
Marie
T. Russell is the founder of InnerSelf Magazine (founded 1985). She also
produced and hosted a weekly South Florida radio broadcast, Inner Power, from
1992-1995 which focused on themes such as self-esteem, personal growth, and
well-being. Her articles focus on transformation and reconnecting with our own
inner source of joy and creativity.
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