Part 5 of a 10-part series on the character traits of happy people.
“None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
One of the best things about having children, in my opinion, is that you surround yourself with enthusiasm.
When my son was a preschooler, he gained a reputation for leaving every situation, from my OB/GYN appointment (yeah, I had to take him), to the cemetery visiting my mother’s grave, with a loud and enthusiastic, “THAT WAS FUN!” It was funny, you know, because those things aren’t usually thought of as fun, but he certainly sounded sincere and the nurses loved it.
Later, one of my son’s report cards even mentioned his “boundless enthusiasm,” which may have been code for something less appealing, but I chose to take it at face value.
I’ve been really lucky – my boys somehow exuded enthusiasm about almost everything. I think enthusiasm is one of the greatest traits ever.
But as they’ve grown older, I notice their enthusiasm dampening down a bit. My oldest son walks around now with a practiced air of indifference, and is much more likely to shrug than report, “That was fun!” My younger son doesn’t tremble with excitement nearly as often.
I’m not sure how that happens, and why we as adults continue to think indifference is preferable to enthusiasm, but we do. I think we all somehow are acculturated to believe that it’s not cool to be too excited. It’s like we think being too pumped-up about something is just going to lead to disappointment. Or, maybe we just think we look cooler if we look bored.
We need to cultivate enthusiasm, not discourage it. Enthusiasm can be a spiritual practice – the word derives from “en” – within – and “theos” or God. So the word even means “God within.” Enthusiasm increases our energy, our commitment, our motivation. Apathy and indifference, however, are depressing.
Notice what you’re passionate about, and don’t be afraid to show your passion. Dance, sing, speak in CAPITAL LETTERS! If you can’t find your enthusiasm right now, surround yourself with enthusiastic people, and let it rub off on you. Try saying, “That was fun!” to yourself after you leave places and events. Say it after an OB/GYN appointment or, if you’re a guy, a prostate exam, and at least it’ll make you laugh (which will lead us onto next week’s topic: Humor).
I had no idea of the actual meaning of the word enthusiasm. That is really cool….that to be enthusiastic is literally to experience the God within bubbling up! Made me smile, too, to recall our boys early sense of sheer delight at the littlest things.
Thank you for the reminder of how we tend to be less enthusiatic as we grow older. Children do have much to teach us. We need to let our own child out more. Seems to me like if we let our love and enthusiam bubble out, we will be a role model for others.
Colleen,
What a lovely reminder. I’m a sucker for fun word origin trivia, so I really appreciated that piece as well. I know that one of the reasons that I do therapy is that it truly leaves me excited and energetic. I love to go to my office, and I celebrate my good fortune at finding such an amazing career path all the time.
Warmly,
Ann
Excellent post, I’ll pay it forward.
Personally, I love it when I hear people describe others with these two words: Enthusiastic and Passionate. You can’t FAKE those two things 🙂 Have a stellar day and remember to…
TCOY = Take Care of You
In some ways, enthusiasm grows out of perspective. If my teen is any indication, it isn’t always cool to be enthusiastic. Your idea of adults needing to show their’s is powerful – set an example and let it go viral.
Hi Colleen – I love to be enthusiastic and hope that I inspire my clients to be so! How sad to lose that spark to “maturity!”