Do you consider yourself an enthusiastic person? In this week’s episode of the Encouragement for Real Life podcast we explored the notion of being the most positive and enthusiastic people we know. And in preparing for this episode, I faced the reality that I’m not the most positive and enthusiastic person I know, but I want to be. I desire to be more optimistic, upbeat, and excited. Because life has affected me negatively recently, without me realizing it. So, I’m making some changes. I’m committing to digging down deep to alter my attitude. And I’m connecting to the Source of enthusiasm, God. I invite you to join me. Because life is better (and more fun) lived with enthusiasm.
So what is enthusiasm, anyway? We know it’s an emotion, but is more than that? Dictionary.com defines it as: absorbing or controlling possession of the mind by any interest or pursuit; lively interest. Thesaurus.com adds the synonyms of: excitement, eagerness, energy, fervor, zeal, passion.
Do these words describe you and me?
Because I believe life is better and more fun lived with enthusiasm.
Think about the most positive and enthusiastic person you know. Life may not always go her way, but she remains upbeat and joyful despite her circumstances. Am I right? And the thing is, when we are upbeat and joyful, we can’t help but have more fun as we live an abundant and fulfilled life.
This reminds me of a passage in 1 Thessalonians:
Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 MSG
Life will not always go our way, but we can live as if it does.
We can choose to see the glass half full.
We can choose to trust God is working out His good in every single circumstance.
You and I can choose to be cheerful no matter what and thank God no matter what happens.
And we can inspire others by our examples to live a positive life with enthusiasm.
Because life is less fun when our attitudes are negative.
Life becomes boring and monotonous when we just go through the motions. It can cause us to focus on the challenges instead of the opportunities in life, right? And sadly, life can be draining and depressing without enthusiasm.
Life with enthusiasm, on the other hand, positively impacts us. Enthusiasm makes a difference in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Enthusiasm invites energy, fun, and exhilaration. It’s contagious, it is inspiring, and it directly influences our lives.
So, how do we foster this enthusiasm?
How do we live with enthusiasm?
Well, I invite you to listen to this week’s podcast episode. It’s only 17 minutes long. Then seek the Source of enthusiasm, God. (Actually, on second thought, go to Him first.) Did you know the word “enthusiasm” comes from the Greek word “entheos” which means “God within” or “full of God”? Because God lives within each of us, we have every reason and ability to be people of enthusiasm!
We can go to God and ask Him to help us live our lives, each and every day, with enthusiasm. Because many of us have proven we cannot be enthusiastic on our own. Now, I fully realize we don’t want to be people who are over-the-top enthusiastic. We don’t want a fake enthusiasm. No. We desire a real and genuine, from-the-heart enthusiasm. One that can only come from God.
If we ask for His help, He will equip us to live with enthusiasm daily.
Then we retrain our minds. Every time a negative thought enters, we choose a different thought. A more positive one. Every time we begin to feel down, we choose to ask God for help. Pretty soon living with enthusiasm will be a way of life. It will become a part of who we are.
And we’ll be known as some of the most positive and enthusiastic people!
Let’s do this, friend. Let’s begin with today. One thought at time, one moment at a time, one prayer at a time. Let’s prove life is better and more fun lived with enthusiasm.
Thanks for being here. God bless you!
Much love,
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