Two months ago my baby cousin, Debbie died. I say baby because I am the oldest in our family and she was eleven years younger than me. She died under two months of turning 60 from a nasty cancer, multiple myeloma. I wanted to honor her life in some way because she was my angel cousin and fought with every fiber of her being to win her battle against cancer. Despite fear, worry and pain she kept showing up with the best attitude she could summon. And then it hit me! Amidst her struggles she sent me uplifting gifs (messages on pretty backgrounds) for me to share to inspire others. When I looked back on our texts, I discovered she sent me 68 inspirational quotes from 2020 to 2022! To honor Debbie, I decided to post one a day on Facebook for 68 days. Day 17 struck me as a message to explore. On a background looking like sun rays it read: RADIATE POSITIVITY.
I asked myself what is the underlying importance of radiating positivity? The underpinnings of it are the strongest motivating force in my life. Something we don’t usually give thought to.
You Influence Far More than You May Fathom
Maybe it was growing up in an extended family where words could wound or make you glow. Maybe it was appreciating and striving to be like the positive role models in my life. And maybe it was being a teacher and mother and seeing the evidence right in front of my eyes. How my recognition of children’s strengths helped them move through their lives more confidently. I realized my thoughts, words and actions had impact.
Each of us have impact, whether we realize it or not. As poet Mary Oliver says in her inspiring line, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Choice. It’s such a big thing. As a growing developing person, we each choose personal aspirations. Dreams and goals we wish to actualize. But there’s more. We are part of communities. Communities that start with our family. Our neighbors. Our friends. Our co-workers. Strangers. How do we want to use our one wild and precious life as a person who influences everyone we come in contact with?
Radiate Positivity
My cousin Debbie would say, “Radiate Positivity.” Such a simple thing that we are in great need of right now in our country and world. We can be a source of uplift wherever we are with a smile. When I do my morning walks and I see someone across the street I make eye contact and smile. I feel gratified when I see my smile spread to their face as well. A simple thing like a smile makes us feel connected and less alone. It radiates positivity.
Taking the opportunity to uplift a step further, our words have such an impact on others. My husband, Gus is taking an art class pursuing a hobby he’s long been interested in. He brings home a canvas of a lake scene in lovely blues, and yellows and greens. I comment on how his trees are reflected so well in the water. How the shading of the grasses gives dimensionality. He beams. I speak my words to encourage and flame his passion. Our dear friends Ira and Diane are moving across the country. When we have a going away dinner for them, in a toast I affirm them as a couple and as individuals to let them know how much they are valued. Everyone else chimes in and the good feelings are palpable in the laughter and smiles. Expressed feelings radiates positivity.
How much better our world would be if we each recognized the gift of our humanity to be a positive influence in the world. I will tell you each time I make someone’s day with an affirming word, a smile, letting someone in my traffic lane, lending a caring listening ear, I feel happier and more worthwhile.
It’s never too late to be a positive influence. It’s a choice we get to make in every present moment we’re in the company of others. So I say choose to radiate positivity! Our world needs it now desperately!
Your Takeaways
1. Every morning and every interaction is an opportunity to set an intention to choose to be a positive influence and radiate positivity.
2. Before you speak or act get into the habit of asking yourself, will this statement add to or take away from the person?
3. A smile, a positive thought, a kind action spreads positive energy.
4. Recognizing our positive impact in the world also reminds us our life has value.
5. To immerse yourself in the mindset of radiating positivity I encourage you to read my book, The Affirming Way of Life: See the Good, Speak the Good, Spread the Good. I wrote it as my legacy to help others find greater love and joy in their relationships by sharing their positive thoughts and feelings more freely.
With Thanksgiving around the corner, why not choose to use your one wild and precious life to radiate positivity to your loved ones and all!
If you know someone who could benefit from this blog please do share. Together we can radiate positivity!
