What do Enthusiasm and Gratitude have in common? Both are emotions that can have profound effects on our relationships, personal growth, and overall happiness. Gratitude helps us acknowledge the abundance and blessings in our lives, while enthusiasm fuels our motivation and passion toward achieving our goals. For most of my life, anything I set out to do, I've approached it with enthusiasm.
My first hands-on experience with death and dying was during my second year of nursing school. I was working as a nurse’s aide for a nursing registry in upper Westchester County, NY, and my first job offer was in a convent, where I would provide bedside care to nuns in hospice care. I had never been in a convent before, and my interaction with nuns was limited to the ones who taught at the elementary school my kids attended. And the word hospice was new to me.
We were introduced to Elisabeth Kubler Ross’s On Death and Dying in one of my nursing classes, so I saw this job as an opportunity to test her theory, and I embraced the assignment with enthusiasm. I was eager to see how people behaved after being told that they were dying, and spending time with nuns made it even more intriguing.
My assignment was short, but what I learned has stayed with me over the years. It lasted because I embraced my work with enthusiasm. I showed up every shift excited to do my best to comfort those dying nuns. The spirit of peace and calm in that convent lingered with me long after the shift ended, and it has made dealing with the death of loved ones a lot less stressful.
Whenever you set out to do anything, here are five reasons to embrace it with enthusiasm:
1. Enthusiasm is an undeniable energy that radiates from within us. It is a motivator. One of my best friends died a few days ago. When her daughter notified me that she was in hospice care, I went to spend some time with her just as enthusiastically as I did 40 years ago when I sat with a total stranger. And I’m grateful that I did because it made it easier to accept my friend's loss.
2. Enthusiasm encourages us to take risks and step outside our comfort zones.
3. When we approach tasks enthusiastically, they become opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
4. Enthusiasm is not limited by age, gender, or background.
5. Enthusiasm is a magnet for success. When we exude enthusiasm, opportunities gravitate towards us. People are drawn to our positive energy and vibrant outlook on life.
Practicing Gratitude and Enthusiasm each day allows you to tap into your full potential so that at the end of life, you have fewer regrets.
Got stories of how enthusiasm fuels your life? I’d love to hear from you. Contact me at smallchange@myrtlerussell.com. Learn more about the small change Toolkit at www.myrtlerussell.com
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