Positivity.

‘A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.’ - Herm Albright

I don’t know who Herm Albright was, but I adore this quote. I’ve seen it before, but upon reading it again, I couldn’t help but smile. Being positive, or happy, or whatever you want to call it, doesn’t come easy for many people… I’m not one of them.

I have coworkers (who don’t know me very well) ask me in the hallways all the time, ‘You’re always smiling… are you always happy?’

Naturally nobody is happy all the time, but I really try my best to stay positive. From time to time, when I’m feeling down or upset, I try to smile through it. I know, ‘turn that frown upside down’ is corny and trite, but there is something to it. There’s lots of research on smile and laugh therapy… I’m not familiar with it, but I know smiling and laughing keep me feeling young and healthy.

The only problem with being Mr. Happy is not every one is thrilled to have you around. At first I tried to transform their gloom with my smiles and laughter. What I realized, after time, is that misery really does love company… not some happy guy who always sees the glass as half full.

I still smile and spread my positive energy, but now I know – steer clear of the folks who just want to wallow. Instead, I surround myself with the positive cheer and love of the ladies who remind me of what I always try to remember… find the joy in teaching. Find the joy in each moment. Working with young children each day is nothing short of a blessing. Life’s too short to be anything but happy.