Friday, August 28, 2009

Cheerfulness


Cheerfulness is infectious! Jean Paul Richter said "Cheerfulness is the atmosphere in which all things thrive." It is a quality that makes people feel good, comfortable, appreciated and welcomed. There has been a tendency in our world to value seriousness and a kind of glum affect. Frowning and somber faced folks in the workplace are seen as the ones who are hard-at-it and doing the job that is before them. They might be unapproachable but, at the very least, are making their way and earning their pay. It is certainly not much fun to be around them. The truth is that this attitude and the people who carry it are easily forgettable. We remember the ones who bring brightness, happiness and exuberance.

Cheerful people leave a lasting impact. We have listened to the many descriptions of Senator Edward Kennedy recently. His great body of work, successes and failings have been paraded before us since his death. The recollections that have been repeated the most often though are of his great cheerfulness and boisterous charm. The joy, mirth and laughter that follow a cheerful soul bring gifts of optimism and a sort of sunrise to the spirit of others. We have a choice. We can be determined to be cheerful or we can be restrained, unremarkable and boring.

It is no more difficult to be cheerful and upbeat than it is to be somber and intense. It does require a certain discipline. We are required to access happinesses that we have experienced (or are experiencing) and allow them to radiate from our very being. It asks that we smile genuinely, offer a hearty handshake, give a pat on the back, make eye contact and listen. This discipline must become a habit. We need to practice it. Follow the directives of the lyrics of the old song that says "Live, love, laugh and be happy." Your life will be more satisfying. You will enjoy better health. You will be remembered warmly.