Lately
I’ve been learning the power of positivity. Tomorrow I start teaching a new
academic term. That’s why I’m posting on Sunday as opposed to my normal Monday.
What I’ve found is the first class sets the tone. This is particularly true
with my Oral Communication class. If they are laughing and having fun the first
day, the rest of the term will go well. In order to get people to open up and
share, I need to set a tone. The class must become more of a family than a
sterile classroom. When that happens, learning increases and I hear marvelous
speeches. There are some other examples I’ve found of positivity.
MY WRITER’S GROUP
I’m
involved in two writer’s groups. I learn from both, but one I absolutely love.
Why? It’s because of the positivity. There is an infectious energy when we
meet. I’m surrounded by linguistic geniuses. Every week someone else shares
something that just wows me—not that it’s-kinda-good wow, but the whoa-this-is-genius
wow. Sometimes the writing make me laugh, sometimes it makes my skin crawl and
sometimes it just fills me with awe, but every time I meet with the group, I am
amazed and it’s pushing me to be better—as both a writer and a person.
MY DAD
Dad
is recovering from stage IV cancer. It’s been a tough battle. One thing I see
is how much strength he gains from mom and me. Our presence inspires him and
helps him to push on. Part of positivity is supporting others.
MY FRIENDS
I
have some wonderful friends. They have different energies, but I can say that
all of them have a positive energy. Some are hopeful. Some are happy. Some are
supportive. Some are creative geniuses. My advice to everyone out there is to
find these kinds of people and hang around with them. Your life will be better.
MY FAITH
There’s
a Biblical principle that says you reap what you sow. If you’re positive,
positive comes back to you. One thing you need to understand about this
principle is that it functions long-term. Short-term it doesn’t always work
that way. You’ll let someone in front of you in traffic and they’ll flip you
the bird. You’ll trust someone and they’ll cheat you. These things happen. But,
over the long run, if you treat people well things will work out better for
you. It’s a principle that engrained in the universe by the Creator.
