Moods and attitudes tend to spread to those around
- Karen Wilson: Family Corner
- October 17, 2024
- 464
When is the last time someone said something encouraging to you? Who smiled at you recently? Did someone notice that kind thing you did? Were you noticed doing a job well?
How did it make you feel?Was your step a little lighter?Your day a bit brighter?Did your tasks seemless oppressive?
Maybe it was just a cheerful smile when you really needed it. Or perhaps a friendly wave made you feel noticed and acknowledged.
Did your lifted spirit cause you to encourage someone in return?
Moods and attitudes tend to spread. One person complains and the group joins in. Suddenly everyone feels the need to state their dissatisfaction. People stand around venting. At the end people go back to their jobs meditating on those negative words, cementing them into their thoughts. Perhaps they are stinging from complaints about themselves in particular.
Most likely, no one has been motivated or uplifted in such discussions. Work feels harder to do. It gets done grudgingly but without enthusiasm or creativity.J ust the bare bones must haves, nothing extra.
And often this leads to even more bad moods and less productivity.
Families work the same way. One person walks in grumpy and soon other members of the family start grumbling. One accusation leads to another. Someone goes away angry, upset or crying. What did that accomplish? Most likely less will get done and if not corrected, attitudes will get worse. Dissatisfaction and friction can settle in.
So, why not make it a point to be the one that smiles and encourages others. Be that bright spot in someone’s day. Greet people the way you would like to be greeted. Look for things to make positive and uplifting comments about. Don’t be false about it. People will know if you aren’t being genuine.
Just make it a habit to notice when your child does what they are supposed to without being asked or told to do so. Say some thing nice when someone goes out of their way to help you.Take time to express appreciation for the many things your spouse does every day.
Smile, even if you are the only one in the room.You’ll make yourself feel better and will likely be ready to pass that cheer onto someone else. I have read about studies that have been done that show smiles work both ways. A happy thought causes a smile and a smile creates a happy thought.
Try it.I t really does work. See, at least I got you to smile once today. Be ready to pass it on.
And, people generally smile back if you smile at them. Now, you have given their brain a trigger to have a happy thought.
OK, I may be getting a bit carried away at this point, but it’s something to think about.
Check your expression before you enter a room or greet someone. Always depart with a pleasant comment.
Wouldn’t you like to be around happy people? Start with your attitude and expression. Let the cheer spread to everyone around you.