A Child’s Lesson

sparkforchange rotator5I was at the La Porte County Fair, and it was there that I found the topic for my column this week. It wasn’t legend Willie Nelson, the food, or the sights that stuck out to me. It was a little girl who made the biggest impact on me and left me inspired.

Meeting this sweet little girl was completely by chance. She was visiting with her mom and was the tiny cousin of a friend whom I agreed to meet at the fair at the last minute. She walked up to where I was proudly displaying her dolphin tattoo she just had painted on as though Picasso himself had meticulously etched it on her arm. This bout of excitement was followed by an unadulterated, innocent, and inspiring plea to go to the petting zoo. She was beaming, jumping up and down, and shouting about how she was going to be bestowed the incredible honor of seeing sheep, rabbits, and little goats with more excitement than I have witnessed in years. What did this fantastic little girl remind me of?

“There are no ordinary moments in life when you have enthusiasm.” – Dan Millman

I found myself relating to this little girl even though I am 26 and have lost my childhood innocence. If there is only one thing that makes me stand out in a crowd, it would be my enthusiasm. I am not sure why or how, but I have always been excited about everything that happens to me. If someone I know walks into a room, I clap because I can’t hide my excitement to see them. When I get to read To Kill a Mockingbird for the 100th time with my students, I find myself on a desk cheering. I just love making the best out of every moment, be it big or small.

Enthusiasm changes ordinary to extraordinary. Unfortunately, I feel as though so many of us have lost this gift as we stumbled into adulthood. Being an adult strips away those layers of excitement we had as a kid and replaces them with responsibilities and stressors. I get that, and my bank account and I can totally relate; however, I plead with you to find a way to hold on to your enthusiasm for life with everything you have. Enthusiasm is paramount in our jobs and daily tasks. Not only does it increase happiness and productivity, you’ll find yourself inspiring others to join in.

There is nothing that can change a day or a life quicker than enthusiasm. It’s about being grateful and excited for everything placed before you. It’s about expressing joy. It’s about making the very best out of anything that comes your way. It’s about living in the moment and not letting the preciousness of that moment pass you by without acknowledging how much joy it brought you. Being enthusiastic doesn’t make you immature or annoying; it makes you happy. Why do so many people feel this is just an emotion reserved for kids? Enthusiasm knows no age limit. It is waiting for the lucky soul, young or old, who wants to make a normal life become magnificent.

I say let yourself go. Allow yourself to feel what you did when you were a kid. Adults and people of all ages can learn something from my little friend at the fair. Whether it is a dolphin body painting, a project at work, or a day out with the family, enthusiasm is the key. I promise if you let it in, you will find yourself living a life that brings you more joy than you thought possible.

Go do great things enthusiastically!

EP

*I invite you to click here and watch this video that is sure to brighten your day, and then tell me about the things in life that never fail to bring out your enthusiasm.