Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.

                                                             Ralph Waldo Emerson

One of the most precious gifts we could give our children is the gift of enthusiasm.  I come from a generation that still believed in the notion that children should be seen and not heard.  Perhaps parents today might still wish that were more true.  But children are born with a tremendous amount of enthusiasm.  They have a natural tendency to get excited about things that give them joy.

How much better life could be for us if we allowed children to show their enthusiasm.  Of course, their noisy passion might sometimes be a little too much for us, but our children would grow up far less inhibited if allowed to express their feelings of joy.  Don’t we all enjoy being around someone who feels passion and excitement about what they are saying or doing?

Enthusiasm is a key ingredient in a positive attitude.  So many areas of our lives can be influenced with enthusiasm.  Every kind of relationship. . .personal, business, casual, brief. . .can be affected.  Our work, no matter what it is, will be more fulfilling and productive if we approach it with passion.  Our knowledge of any subject depends on the zeal with which we approach it.  Our energy level is much higher when we’re acting with excitement.  And the chances are very good that we will live longer and be more healthy if we have a zest for life.

If you have gone through life feeling inhibited or self-conscious about expressing how you feel, learn from the enthusiasm of children.  And if you have children in your life over whom you might have some, or much, influence, teach them that enthusiasm is beautiful.  Allow them to act on their feelings of joy.  Teach them to laugh loudly and often.  Show them how good life can be by your enthusiasm.  Let them sing!

Have a day filled with enthusiasm,

Lana Keating