Are you enthusiastic?

“The most fortunate people on earth are those who live most of their lives in a state of energizing enthusiasm.” -Earl Nightingale

What about you? What are you enthusiastic about? It seems that most of the everyday details of our lives are pretty mundane. Not many hours of our days are spent in activities that engender enthusiasm. Who can get enthusiastic about washing dishes? Or commuting to work? Or changing the oil in one's car? Boring, right?

Maybe. Maybe not. Doesn't it all depend on attitude? Is it the activity that makes us enthusiastic or do we imbue the activity with our enthusiasm? I've experimented with this and here's what I learned.

I can be enthusiastic about anything. Enthusiasm can be called forth at will. This is life-changing. Imagine being able to be enthusiastic about taking out the trash. Or being enthusiastic about brushing the dog. If you could do this, how would your life change?

In a huge way, that's how. By bringing this uplifting, highly energetic, positive spirit to everything we do, life becomes alive in an entirely new way. We don't have to wait for something to come along about which we naturally feel enthusiastic. We can feel enthusiastic about whatever we're doing at the moment. Then we will experience the truth of Nightingale's statement above.

We will be energized and fortunate. How to start?

Begin by how you start your day. Get out of bed with energy and a sense of purpose. Reach your hands and arms as high above your head as you can while saying “Yes!” Ask what wonderful things will happen today. Then fully expect and watch for at least one wonderful thing to happen to or for you. When it does, express your gratitude and delight. Make a note of it so you don't forget!

With everything you do, approach it with a heightened sense of awareness. Notice sounds, textures, aromas, tastes – pay attention and revel in your ability to experience your five senses. This can create a quiet sense of enthusiasm simply for the fact that you exist and are doing whatever is in front of you to do.

When you move on to a new project, even if it is washing the dishes, approach it as if you've never done it before. Instead of assuming the posture of, “Oh, time to wash the dishes again,” accompanied by a big sigh, say to yourself, “Oh, I wonder what it will feel like to put my hands into sudsy, warm water...” Let yourself get into the experience and see what new perceptions arise.

Finally, never say you have to do something. Always say, “I get to do (whatever it is).” Far too often we approach our daily tasks as “have to's” which puts us in the position of not really wanting to do whatever it is. When, instead, we say “I get to take out the trash,” it reframes our duties and it is much easier to approach them with a sense of excitement (or at least less dread, if that is where we have to begin!).

When you have difficulty feeling enthusiastic, here’s a tip. Think of all the people who are currently trying to manifest the life you already have. Perhaps they would love to have a carpet to vacuum. Or maybe they would love to have sheets to wash and dry, a home to clean, and a job to go to every day. It’s easy to get into the rut of taking our lives for granted. Making a point of feeling enthusiastic as often as we can means our lives will stay fresh and joyful. Now is a perfect time to welcome new energy, new attitudes, and new results!

Living in grace and ease,

Krysta