Enthusiasm Is Always An Option

“Anesthesiologist.”

That was Avery’s response when I asked her what she intended to work towards as she’s now a week away from heading off to college. Avery is very intelligent, and when combined with her drive and work ethic she leaves you will the impression that she’ll become anything she wants to become. 

On the cusp of an exciting new chapter of her life, her level of excitement and enthusiasm are infectious. She’s worked hard to get to this point and she’s ready to dive in to what’s next.

I have to admit, when I was young and heading off to college my level of enthusiasm was never at the same level as Avery’s. The only thing that was infectious was my indifference and sense of stagnation. Maybe it was my lack of direction or vision for my life, or maybe it was me not being ready or even willing to fully embrace the next chapter of my life.

My relationship with enthusiasm had always put the pressure on other people, external events, and desired outcomes to give me something to be excited about. There was no inner organic sense of enthusiasm to be found, especially as I assumed the responsibilities of being an adult. 

In reality, there was plenty to be excited and enthusiastic about. If I simply decided to see life in that way.

One of the most important milestones in my emotional and spiritual evolution was when I began to assume full responsibility for my life experience. When I decided to hold myself accountable for how I would show up and interact with the world. In doing so I stopped needing others, external events, and desired outcomes to make me happy and took responsibility for making myself happy instead. I was able to see my world differently, now far more attentive and present to all that had always been around me through my many years of indifference and stagnation. 

The peace of being present has proven foundational to my happiness.

The same world seen through a different pair of eyes now sees a much different world.

It’s been over 40 years since my high school graduation. And while Avery has got the advantage of youth, I’d be willing to wager that I’m now on even keel with her when it comes to enthusiasm. Maybe even slightly ahead.

I’m alive. I get to grow and experience and evolve and serve and become. 

Isn’t that something to be excited about?

Enthusiasm is always an option. It’s driven by gratitude, of being grateful for all that you have, all that you are, and all that you’ve yet to become.

Life has taught me that life really doesn’t care how I choose to live it.

But maybe I should.

Photo by Kevin Schmid on Unsplash