What is “positivity” & what do ya do with it, anyway?
From Sarah Gardner’s Flickr stream. You can find her prints to buy here.
When i think of the word “positivity” a bunch of singular words pop into my head. Words like “Radiant”. “Cheerful”. “Optimistic”. “Hopeful”. “Inspired”. “Encouraging”. “Light” (both literally, like a light bulb, and figuratively, like a state of being). “Energized.” “Enthused.”
Throughout my adult life, I’ve been prepared to wish for the best and expect the worst. Got that big part I wanted? Just so happens it conflicts with my best friend’s wedding. Didn’t get the big part I was up for? Just so happens a huge agent signed the girl that got it. Alanis Morisette would call it ironic, but I would just call it crappy luck.
So, when people would ask if I was a glass-half-full or a glass-half-empty girl, I’d have to think: I do see the glass as half full, but I also expect that when I go to refill it I’ll be out of whatever I was drinking (probably wine) or the water from the tap will be green. What does that make me? An optimistic pessimist? A pessimistic optimist?
I realized, though, that when I would describe myself as anything but an optimist to, well, anyone that’s known me for more than a few minutes, I’d be greeted by a scoff and a chuckle. “Why, you’re a huge optimist, Michelle! Always so encouraging, and driven, and supportive. You’re always such a positive presence, always laughing and smiling and full of energy. How can you say you’re anything but an optimist?”
Glad you asked. I think part of me wanted to hang on to my sarcastic wit and all those experiences that left me jaded. I wanted to be considered “tough” and be able to complain at will. But now, at the tender age of 31, I see how not only do those choices not serve me – but they’re not me! Not to say I’m going to lose my sarcasm, or the tough guy voice I put on that says “I’m from Strong Island and lived in East Harlem. Don’t mess” – but now I know I do it for comedic effect. I want to bring sunshine, and optimism, and positivity wherever I go and to whomever I speak to. But not in an annoying way.
I know that Tough (Question) Tuesday was yesterday, but I’d love for you to share in the Comments section what positivity means to you, and how you give it to yourself or the world. And don’t forget to leave a Comment here if you’re contributing to Positivity Week so I can link to you!
Tags: Potent Positivity
March 26th, 2009 at 4:43 am
For me positivity means supporting the people in my life with what they are doing, and helping them to have a better day/week/month/etc through that support. It means helping people trying to find the positive or the learning experience from their situations instead of getting down.
For me, positivity does not have to be bubbly, jump all around, and always be smiling (not that there is anything wrong with that). I think I am a more subtle positive person than that, but I still think I am quite often positive.
As a recovering pessimist I am still not as positive, as often, as I would like to be, so I see myself as a positive work in progress.
March 26th, 2009 at 5:20 am
Love this, Jeremie. And yes, I agree that positivity isn't all cheerleader smiles and "Go team!" My hubby can be quite grounded and direct while also enthusing me with positive energy – and I love that about him.
"A positive work in progress…"Maybe that a Sunday Night Success waiting to happen? Would love to hear how you work on bringing out the optimist in you – if it's something tangible or not.