There has been a question plaguing me all day: Why does enthusiasm seem to fade away when many reach adulthood? I feel like kids have it right. They get excited about everything. Mac and Cheese for dinner? They rejoice. Ice cream truck? They shriek and jump with happiness. First day of school? Don’t even get them started on how exciting this is. It’s accepted, even encouraged, to be enthusiastic, but I am not so sure the same can be said once taking the plunge into adulthood. This, in my humble opinion, must change.
Enthusiasm is not a sign of immaturity. To label passion, excitement, and joy as immature is our first problem. Frankly, the world needs a whole lot more of the aforementioned feelings. Why does everything have to become so serious, boring, and robotic as we age? No, thank you. I want a life full of enthusiasm. I am 27, and I will unabashedly admit that sometimes I get so excited at work that I skip around the halls. Yes, I realize skipping is usually reserved for those under 4’ tall, but I can’t wait to share new ideas with my kids. I can’t wait to get down and see my best friend on my plan period. If we all start trying to infuse a little excitement into our day, it can make the most boring a little more brilliant.
I, along with every one of you, only have one shot at this life. I know that every day is not going to be great and filled with moments that leave us jumping for joy, but I sincerely believe in doing everything in our power to try and make it that way. Why choose boring when I can have brilliant? If I can go into a meeting excited about the potential of what I can learn and possibly add to it, why wouldn’t I? Why wouldn’t I choose to live my life in a way that I actively search out the good, the beautiful, or the inspiring like we so often see kids do? I choose to feel deeply and not be ashamed of letting my excitement show, whether that’s through a massive smile, skipping, awkward jumping, or uncontrollable clapping. I just don’t see any other way to be.
My plea to you is to take back your youthful enthusiasm. Fight for it because it’s worth it. At the very least, encourage our youth to never lose it. I hope you all a great start to your August!
Go be enthusiastic!