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Thursday, October 13, 2005
Enthusiasm for life
By Henrylito D. Tacio
Regarding Henry
"MIGHT be better if" "I like it--it's just that." "See your point, but Let's look at it this way." "Our usual procedure is..." "How would we justify it?" "How would it look?" "Yes, but..." "Let me sleep on it."
These are some just of fail-safe phrases, or comments, which automatically throw the brakes on enthusiasm. You're feeling pretty fired up about some idea and then one of the above phrases drops into the conversation like a policeman into a party.
I don't want to sound poetic but enthusiasm has a great cloak, which can conceal lame talents, dwarfed ambitions, and mangy personalities. It has a sparkle like sunlight on rippling waters and can cause dedicated failures to be delightful. B.C. Forbes agrees: "All through the ages, the most worthy characters have been those who were dynamically enthusiastic over some definite aim and end. The young man who is afraid to manifest enthusiasm lest his dignity suffer is not likely to have much dignity to lose by and by. Enthusiasm is the propelling force that is necessary for climbing the ladder of success."
According to Norman Vincent Peale, one of America's most well read authors; you will never have enthusiasm in your life unless you steadily put some in. "This is basic," he said. "To have enthusiasm, you must practice enthusiasm. It is based on the "as if" principle. Act as if, and that which you practice will tend to be."
Here's good news. Enthusiasm can be cultivated according to David Dunn. He explains: "At first you must consciously put your eyes, your voice, your spirit--in a word, yourself--into your appreciation of people and events and things. Do this around your home, at your work, in your social contacts, and you will be surprised how quickly it will become second nature. You will find yourself living in a more gracious and enthusiastic world, for your enthusiasm will be reflected back to you from the people to whom you give it."
In other words, if you must do, give it your best shot. When Abraham Lincoln was a young man, he took a sack of grain to be ground at the mill. The owner had the reputation for being the slowest and laziest miller in Illinois. After watching him for a while, Lincoln said, "You know, I think I could eat that grain as fast as you are grinding it."
"But how long could keep it up?" the miller replied ungraciously. "Until I starve to death," the future American president retorted.
Ellen Corby declared, "You must have enthusiasm for life or life is not going to have a lot of enthusiasm for you." Both enthusiasm and pessimism are contagious. Which one do you spread?
For feedback, write me at tasyo2002@yahoo.com
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (October 13, 2005 issue)
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