Here's Something for Thought (and action!)

“Life is too hard!” This is how I’m going to sum up all the complaining that people do. I could spend a lot of time giving examples of how we complain, but this would be completely unnecessary and your ears would probably fold over because of how sick they were of hearing that. You laugh, but ask yourself this, if you had to listen to how you complain at work, while driving, when your dinner is slightly off, or whenever else you enjoy complaining, would you want to hear more? Probably not, if we were to be honest with ourselves. Simply put, people are dissatisfied with their lives, even if they won’t admit it to your face.

So, why are people so upset with their lives? They have fun sometimes, why not all the time? I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that it has to do with selfishness. Don’t agree? Wait a minute, read the rest of this paragraph, then reconsider. Think for a minute, what makes you happy? Is it, perhaps, getting together with your buddies and going fishing. Maybe you enjoy office parties, or a little more informal picnic with your family. Ah, mountain climbing appeals to you! And let’s not forget how much you enjoy sleeping in! Hmm, I see a common denominator here, do you? Hint, it’s three letters long. You! We find enjoyment in anything that involves us and our interests. Some would argue that that only makes sense. After all, how can we have fun without the ‘me’ part being involved? Is it possible to have fun when we’re not doing something we enjoy?

I say yes, and to back it up, I propose a solution. Change what gets you excited. This is not something that will happen overnight, you do have to work for it. However, practically perpetual fun is worth the trade for most of us, I would guess. When is the last time you came home from work feeling energized and eager to do something your sibling or parent wants to do with you? It probably wasn’t recently, let’s work on this first. You’re going to be more positive if you can honestly feel happy and satisfied after a shift of any length at work. Start with a shorter shift if you need and set that goal. Keep your spirits up by smiling about the little things. Whether a coworker laughs, a customer smiles, or you complete something difficult, stop and smile…… only for a short minute, though, get back to work before your boss sees you doing nothing! Oh, I forgot about those of us who are too busy with school to work! You probably sighed about that assignment you’ve been procrastinating on when I dared to mention the word ‘school’. Is it possible to find fun in that??? Yup! Same strategy, look for the little things. Not enough little things to smile about? Make some! Pop some clean, friendly humor next time you see a friend. Here’s a good one, ask a friend to guess who you saw today. Let them try and guess for a while, then tell them that you saw everyone you looked at! It’s kind of dumb, but it can bring a smile to your face when they roll their eyes at you.

So, to sum everything up that I just said, smile at something little today. It’s a good habit to have. Does it work, though? Absolutely! I use this method, and that’s how I know it works and can make your life more fun! “You just have an easy lifestyle, and not much to do, that’s why you can have fun” skeptics might argue. No, you’re right, I don’t have a hard lifestyle, but I do work two jobs and am taking 17 credit hours of classes as a freshman in college. Some people have more, and I respect them for that, but the same principle applies to them. Aren’t there other ways to have fun? Sure! I have no problem with spending some cash on a vacation or enjoying golf next weekend, but money is pretty limited, and a positive attitude is worth countless dollars.

Fellow collegians, teens, and young adults, let’s make a difference in the negativity of this world. Our generation is often viewed as a dull, complaining, and stiff generation. Let’s change peoples’ opinions. It won’t be easy, and we’ll face challenges along the path to enjoyment, but our lives will be more free, enjoyable, fulfilling and purposeful once we learn how to maintain an attitude of joy. Here’s a simple goal for today, smile ten times (think you already do? count yourself, if so, increase the goal!), say one humorous thing, and compliment someone on something (just to keep our selfishness in check). Try it, and persevere! When it works, let a friend know what you did! Believe me, people will ask you why you’re so happy.

.......as long as I make it one!