Three Cheers for Cheerfulness 545.5
“‘Tis the season to be jolly.”
Indeed, the holiday season, undeniably dominated by the trappings and traditions of Christmas, is not only a time for solemn worship but a period of high festivity, grand enthusiasm, and good cheer.
Despite pervasive and relentless commercialism conveying a sense of superficiality and artificiality, I still find that the music, decorations, holiday cards, and gifts associated with Christmas makes me a huge fan of cheerfulness.
Even the forced and phony joyfulness of “Ho, Ho, Ho” department store Santas can generate authentic delight.
There’s no doubt about it, good nature is a powerful force that makes people, including the person exuding it, feel better. I love to be around merry people.
I used to think cheerfulness was an inborn disposition. Gleeful people were simply hardwired to look on the bright side. I’ve come to realize, however, that happiness is more often a choice than a trait.
Many people are self-consciously good-spirited as a life strategy to make themselves and those they interact with happier. It’s a matter of character to repress or overcome personal grievances, sorrows, and setbacks and willfully project positive attitudes.
A cheerful person and a somber one look at the same things, but they see them differently. They also look for other things. Someone once made the distinction between a person who is happy because he has no cares at all and a cheerful person who has cares but doesn’t let them get him down.
Your cheerfulness is the greatest gift you can give others. So cheer up – for your sake and ours.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
Comments
While I agree with the basic tenet of this commentary, I do question the automatic association of the word "solemn" with worship. Maybe it's a language thing, but to me, solemn does not only mean serious, it means sad as well - or at least it means the absence of joy or happiness in any form.
If that is the case, then i don't think worship can ever be described as "solemn" - since it is with great joy and delight that i can worship and I associate worship with happiness not sadness. I am after-all what some people like to describe as a "happy-clappy" Christian.
Posted by: John Fairlamb | December 20, 2007 11:34 PM
I normally see the positive side of most situations.My wife calls me an eternal optimist.But over the years I have come to view Christmas as a waste of time, energy and money that ultimately serves someone else and their bank account.When the retailers start to put Christmas decor up before Halloween it becomes apparent what it's all about.So for Christmas I'll put up the lights and continue to complain about it to my wife.
Posted by: Doug | December 21, 2007 7:24 AM
I am very much impressed with the gifts you have and your sharing those gifts with us. The depth of insight into the soul of those of us who read and appreciate your words go beyond words to describe. I can only say thank you and may the blessings especially during this Holy Season continue. Thank you.
Posted by: roger jenkins md | December 22, 2007 4:59 AM
3 Cheers for Michael:
Muchas Gracias for reminding me to let go of my "what about me attitude." I believe Rose Kennedy was taught as a child to be joyful as a discipline--what a gift that must have been.
Thank you Michael for your continuing perserverance of striving to be a better person--and lighting the way for millions of others. It really is an endless journey,isn't it?
Posted by: Vicki Middleton | December 22, 2007 6:16 AM
This reminds me that my thoughts are powerful. That is it my choice how I look at things. That being cheerful will not only help me, but those around me, to feel good! Thanks for the reminder!!
Posted by: michele | December 26, 2007 4:06 PM
The holiday season every year reminds me to be generous and helpful to those who need help the most. The key is to maintain that attitude year round.
Posted by: Bob from Iowa | December 28, 2007 8:53 AM
Michael,
I continue to be inspired year after year.
My motto on this subject is
"When you see someone without a smile, give 'em one of yours"
Happy New Year!
Posted by: Linda from Dana Point, CA | January 6, 2008 5:06 PM