“I pray for a more friendly, more caring, and more understanding human family on this planet. To all who dislike suffering, who cherish lasting happiness, this is my heartfelt appeal.” ~ Dalai Lama
We have a winner! Cheerful, come on up!
What do you choose — cheerful or depressing? OK, are you portraying that? With all of your commitments, all of your busy-ness, is cheerful the message that comes across? Or, sometimes does your demeanor show something less than cheerful?
I stopped at our local gas station a couple of days ago. After filling the car up with fuel, I went inside to pay the cashier. And the gentleman behind the counter was just genuinely cheerful. He radiated happiness. At a job that probably is mostly thankless. It wasn’t just take my money, give me a receipt, and move on to the next customer in line. It was engaging me in conversation, genuinely enjoying the opportunity to be of service to me, and giving me a little extra bounce in my step as I left. Will I go back here for gas in the future? You bet I will! Through a simple act of being cheerful, one employee left a lasting impact on me.
Think about the profound effect we could all have if we did this just a little more in our daily lives. If we were all just a little more cheerful. Cheerful is contagious! It was for me after I left the gas station. Just like depressing can be contagious. We have the choice of how we treat others. What we choose can and does affect other people around us. What do you choose — cheerful or depressing?
I challenge you today to find ways in your everyday life to be just a little more cheerful. To spread happiness a little more than you already do. It doesn’t have to be big and grand. Look for the little things you can do.
Make it a GREAT day today — for you and for those around you!
this morning when I heard my Toddler calling at the CRACK I wanted to git irritated (I cant lie—there was a FOUR as the first number on the clock) but then I listened and heard she was CHEERFULLY CALLING ME.
being silly.
singing.
I leaped out of bed.
the mornings she’s calling and whining? I crawl.
different than what you intended with the post — but the same
MizFits last blog post..It’s BURGER TIME up in herre.
I choose cheerful. And recently I’ve been getting comments about my “positivity” almost as if it’s annoying. I don’t get caught up in it because it’s not my issue. I know I’m in a good place! I’m with you — let’s pass along a little, or a lot, of cheer! It is contagious and it feels wonderful. Unfortunately it’s rare and comes as a surprise to many who encounter it.
It’s amazing that something as simple as cheerfullness stands out so much. But I guess we don’t really see it that often!
I tend to fall into the cheerful group most of the time
but I’ll be the first to admit when I get really busy and in the zone, I sometimes appear grumpy and forget to smile 
I have to work on that!
A positive cheerful person is refreshing to come in contact with in your day if you are so lucky. My mom is like this
My daughter’s bus driver is also so cheery in the morning as I load my preschooler on the bus. It’s a joy to chat with her for a few seconds every morning.…..before 8am cheerfulness is inspiring!
Annettes last blog post..I’m Addicted
There’s a guy who scoops ice cream at the Rite-Aid a few blocks from our house. If it was raining anvils, I think he’d be smiling. I’m happier for the whole day when I go there, and it isn’t just the scoop of chocolate chip. We can affect others happiness, if we monitor our own.
Writer Dads last blog post..A Good Year
I have a next door neighbor that I speak of often in my blogging. He is in his 80’s. He is always smiling, never negative, and truly enjoys life. There are many days when he catches me “throwing” the children in the car as we rush off to some event. He stops me…and tells me to slow down and take life in. I just love this man.
Thank you for the reminder to share this happiness.
Tammy Warrens last blog post..Just begin
great post, being cheereful is so much better then being a Debbie downer! I need to remember that the things I do might rub off on people, so I better be choosing a cheerful attitude!!!
Bobbis last blog post..New Line of ‘Healthier’ Breakfast Foods
Cheerful wins hands down in my life, but you knew I’d say that, Lance!
I’m extra conscious of this in restaurants. Haven’t you had a waiter or waitress make or break your experience by their attitude? When they’re grumpy or not interested in their job, I always think why are you even bothering to come to work that day? (Unfortunately, they need to pay their bills, too.)
I do believe happiness is contagious, so let’s get busy spreading it.
Thanks, Lance. This is definitely something I needed to read today! I go through these periods where it just seems difficult to make myself feel cheerful, and right now is one of those times. I needed someone to remind me to snap out of it…I’m going to make an extra effort today to be cheerful.
Zandrias last blog post..Car Woes
“giving me a little extra bounce in my step as I left.”
Indeed Lance, the joy of others can profoundly effect us. And when others are depressed they can be a drag on us. A bad influence.
This is the thing… One can’t always radiate joy, or be very happy. That’s fair enough. But one can always be, at the very least, neutral! If you’re depressed, try to be at the very minimum, neutral, so that your demeanor doesn’t effect others negatively. It’s a moral obligation!
By the way, the worker at the gas station is very wise. I don’t know if you’ve read the book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People” but Dale Carnegie cites the importance of smiling and your example is a very good real life one, on how smiling can make you a more successful business man.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..Some Bits About Me
Cheerful definitely! “Cheerful is contagious! ” I find this to be so true.…often when an individual is down, their mood can be turned around with a cheerful approach. I might add that a positive attitude is contagious!” Thanks for being so positive!
Mark Salinass last blog post..One Step at a Time
Okay, okay, I admit it, I was feeling a bit sorry for myself what with a head cold and all. Hard to smile with Kleenex stuck up your nose. But I’m on the mend. I really am. I feel MUCH better now. Oh yes, this Panther is almost ready to purr again. It’s coming out more as a rattle, but soon. Real soon. I promise!
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Cheerful for sure. Love this great post Lance!
Emilys last blog post..Poop and Writer Dad
Lance, my poker face has taken me years to develop.
I’m certainly happy but I wouldn’t say I’m of a cheery disposition. Cheery for extended periods of time would be taxing for me. Instead I can turn it on for a while and then turn it off. It’s genuine cheery, but it’s not my normal state.
I relate to what Bamboo Forest says about ‘neutral’. That’s probably my outward appearance most of the time.
I snapped into cheery the other day though when paying for my groceries. I bought a cake to have with my morning tea (not the whole cake, just a slice) I was in a daze and the cashier who looked glum herself said (glumly), “Your birthday is it?” I don’t know how I did it but quick as a flash I chirruped, “It’s my birthday everyday!”
She cracked a smile and I felt instantly better.
I’m loving your wise words Lance. Keep it up!
Dave Fowlers last blog post..Women’s Work: The Hardest Work I’ve Ever Done
Hi Lance — definitely cheerful for me. You seem to have far more friendly service people in the states. Over here — they’ll stand talking to each other when they service you in most places — never any please, thank you, or goodbye no matter how friendly you are towards them. I love going to America — everyone seems so friendly — it’s like being in another world.
You are absolutely right cheerfulness can be contagious…I try to be cheerful every time I go to work so that people around me can be cheerful. The same goes at home. I have a big mouth and when I exercise it, I find that my children do the same thing.
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@MizFit — Different, but the same. She (your daughter) — by being happy — makes you happy, and likewise — by whining — makes you unhappy. So, yes, that is exactly the point I was going for.
@Stacey — That’s right, it’s not your issue, it’s their issue. Continue to be positive and cheerful. Sometimes we won’t even know who it’s helping…So, continue to be contagious Stacey! That’s the kind of contagious we need more of in this world!
@Amanda — It’s amazing that we have to think of seeing cheerfulness as a “wow” thing. Because it’s so easy, we should all be able to give a little more of it in our lives…
@Annette — That’s a great point, being overly busy can take away some of our cheery self. It is great to interact with these people on a regular basis — they bring out the best in us. A little coffee in the morning helps to make me be a bit more cheerful to start the day.
@Writer Dad — It’s great customer service, being able to be cheerful to all the customers you come in contact with. When a company has a person like this, they are so much better off! A happy customer is a returning customer…
@Tammy — That’s a great philosophy to slow down and enjoy life. The problem is that sometimes we’re so rushed, we just don’t take the time to appreciate all that we have. And when we do appreciate all that we have, it’s so much easier to be cheerful and happy.
@Bobbi — A Debbie Downer, I haven’t heard that in a while! It’s right on the money. I can’t see you being that type anyway…although we all have our moments.
@Linda — Yes, I know you’re full of cheer! Restaurants are a good example. The food can be great, but the waitress/waiter really delivers the experience. And it that leaves a sour taste in my mouth, I’m not likely to go back. On the other hand, if the experience is great, and the food is not — I’m more likely to give it a second shot. Off to spread some good cheer now…
@Zandria — Some days, things just don’t go as planned. I’m guessing you’re having a day like that. So, I’m sending you some virtual cheerfulness…Hang in there Zandria.
@Bamboo Forest — That’s a good point. Some days we may just not feel very cheery. It happens. And being neutral in this case is a great idea. I love it. That way we’re at least not infecting others with the pill of negativity. That’s my goal the next time I’m feeling less than cheery — to be neutral. I have read the Carnegie book — it is full of wisdom, including the importance of smiling…
@Mark — Cheerfulness really does spread doesn’t it. And can bring people out of a bad moood. And, yes, so does a positive attitude! Thanks!!
@Urban Panther — Colds and sickness can be a real downer. Good to hear you’re getting better! You’ll be roaring in no time!!
@Emily — Great to hear!! Thanks for your kind comments, and for stopping by!
@Dave — OK, I’ll go with that. Happy is good! Cheery can seem over the top sometimes. I too liked the idea of neutrality. Bamboo Forest made an excellent point. I like the story too. By adding a little cheer to your conversation, you brightened someone else’s day! Cool…
@Cath — You’ve hit some good spots here in the US then. I don’t think everywhere here is like that. The best we can do is give our best effort to be the example we wish others to portray. You’re doing that. It’s rubbing off on somebody.…
@Chris — I believe it was Gandhi who said — “Be the change you wish to see in this world”. You’re doing it. Others see that.…
I accept that challenge, dear friend.
The gift you have offered me, I shall take out into the world to give ten more—until I am am surrounded with smiling rememberances of the gift you first gave.
blessings to you and all you hold dear,
CG
CG Walterss last blog post..Serialization of Sacred Vow: Liz (continued)
Our attitude truly is contagious. Thanks for reminding us. We can choose how we feel. Isn’t that great!! Cheerfulness is the way to go, both for ourselves and those around us. It is the winner! And you are the winner of the coffee competition! Just another great reason (if you needed one) to be cheerful.
Jennifers last blog post..Change Your Life One Thought at a Time — Part 5
I had to laugh when I read this. I happen to be in the most foul mood today.
OK. I accept the challenge. How about: smiling (instead if frowning, which I’ve been doing all day) at the dinner table, where I am heading right now!
Thanks Lance.
Vered — MomGrinds last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: Mona Lisa, Enhanced
wow. I’ve never had that kind of experience at a gas station. Id go back if the staff acted that way too. Yanno, if one person is nice to you, you become nicer throughout the day too.
meleah rebeccahs last blog post..Climate Control
Now what can I do more today that I have not already been doing yet the entire morning?
Hmmm…I think I am going to stay cheerful and optimistic even while I am receiving news of the financial crisis that is going on in the markets today! A downturn can also represent opportunities. Let me stay alert to any intuitive impulses regarding finances as well…LOL!
Evelyn Lims last blog post..Attract Our Travel Dreams
Hi Lance,
I totally agree cheerfulness wins. There are do many people who have thankless jobs and it’s always a joy for me to pay them a compliment or make small talk just to let them know they’re important. An “atta boy/girl”, goes a long way.
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..Priorities — Signatures — Open Mic
@CG — Thank you for that response. In hearing this, I am humbled by the power words can have…
@Jennifer — We all can choose — and that’s where there is great power in this for each one of us. And, hey, you’ve just cheered me up as well, thanks! Coffee…I love coffee!
@Vered — Hopefully it was “happiness” at the dinner table last night! And if this helped, then that’s awesome, and that makes me even happier! Thanks for your honesty…
@Meleah — That is the really cool thing — it does rub off! I was iv a very good mood once I left the gas station that day. And who knows if that rubbed off on someone else. Cheerfulness multiplies!!
@Evelyn — Yes, the financial news has been bleak recently. What a great way to think about it — that this means opportunities are available! And that’s much better news than thinking about the negative press the financial market has been receiving. Truly looking at it as “glass half full” instead of “glass half empty”.
@Barbara — And when you do that, just think about how that might impact their day. And make it a little brighter for them (and those they deal with throughout the day).
Thanks for incorporating daily events into life lessons. Negativity is very contagious and I try to stay away from it as much as possible. If someone is grouchy to me, I immediately become grouchy. I’m working on just observing the negative behavior instead of embracing it, but this is a difficult lesson to learn. Today I choose to embrace cheerful people!
Stacey / CreateaBalances last blog post..Bingo! Embracing Money
I couldn’t have said it any better myself. When an employee is cheerful it spreads to the customers.
Personally I too love a cheerful person at work because it makes me look at the positive side of my own life. That’s why I always ask people who are working at a counter, cashier or wherever how their day is going. They usually just say good, but then I prob a little more and eventually I get something like “I’m going to go home and play with my daughter” or “I’m going to chemistry class.” They light up and it makes me feel good.
Karl — Work Happy Nows last blog post..Does Luck Play a Role at Your Job?
Cheerful most definitely:~) It is amazing how scarce good old fashioned cheerfulness is around my neck of the woods. I simply smile and say hello to a stranger and they look at me like I have ten heads. Oh well!
Brandi Magills last blog post..Energy Drinks: Do They Really Give You Wings?
I think, cheerful has its cause likewise depressing also has its cause. I choose cheerful, so I do my best to avoid the cause of depressing. Thank you for sharing your nice thought.
love elys last blog post..Cause and effect — an musing
I can honestly say that it makes life worthwhile to bring a little good feeling wherever Igo. Having said that, there is a 1% grumpy factor in my life nevertheless. Ok maybe 2%
Seamus Anthonys last blog post..Double Happiness at Rebel Zen
Its true, they are both so contagious! And we have the power to decide which one we want to spread.
There’s something that is a nice little cheer up in itself, knowing that just smiling at someone can pass on a cheerful attitude and more positive outlook. We all need to laugh a little more!
Great post:)
Sagans last blog post..Dealing with Stress
Hi Lance,
Great blog!!! I love this post. My mind started running over all the cheerful service I receive, and then I skipped straight to myself, wondering if I am cheerful to others. Your post has inspired me to do what Ghandi said and “Be the change I wish to see in the World.” Thanks for sharing this!
Audra Krells last blog post..Thirteen Ways to Build your Platform
Great picture and idea, Lance. Why be nasty when we can be nice? It just makes more sense doesn’t it? If we could just stop ourselves and do this one little thing the world WOULD be a better place.
Hope you have a great weekend! E
Thanks. Great reminder. I am trying to just start the day greeting everybody with a smile. Way easier to just smile and then address the person. Life is good today.
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@Stacey/CreateaBalance — Embracing cheerful people is a great choice! I, too, get brought down by negativity. Being able to observe but not be affected by it sounds like a good place to get to (I’m not there yet…).
@Karl — That’s a great point about making the other person feel important and valued. That your not just looking for a short answer. That you would like to know a little bit more. Awesome stuff!
@Brandi — That’s right — oh well! Keep doing it Brandi! Spread your cheer! You never know when it’s going to be just what someone needed.
@Love Ely — By trying to avoid the depressing, you give yourself a much better shot at being cheerful, don’t you!
@Seamus — I think we can all have a little “grumpy” in us every now and then! And it does feel good, doesn’t it, to be cheerful.
@Sagan — Smiles and laughs — two things that are pretty easy to do. I’m all for doing this more! An easy way to be contagious in a good way!
@Audra — Thanks! That’s a great quote by Ghandi, and also a great reminder that we should do what we want done to us. Starting with cheerful today — I too will look at what image I’m portraying when I meet others — is it cheerful and positive, or the opposite…
@Ellen — Thanks, the picture is from a couple of years ago. But it just seemed so “cheery”! Right, small changes by many people would have a powerful impact on making our world a much better place.
@FitMom — Yes, I hadn’t thought about that — if we smile first, it’s a lot harder to be negative or depressing. Start with a smile — I’m going to work on that!
How about people who are so cheerful you just want to smash their face in? Kidding, kidding!
I am taking a vote for cheerful. My husband is so not a morning person and gets really wound up if I sing or hum while I’m getting reading. And if the children and I sing Zipa Dee Doo Dah (our gee us along song of choice) he locks himself in the bathroom!
Tara@From Dawn Till rusks last blog post..Extreme parenting. Or is it just me?
I’m not there yet either.
Stacey / CreateaBalances last blog post..Bingo! Embracing Money
It’s a gorgeous day and it would matter if it was raining. We choose from within. It’s always a choice. Cheerful it is; I’m headed to the gym to warm some hearts!
Tom Volkar / Delightful Works last blog post..Spirit and Business
Lance: Sometimes I’ll walk up to someone like the hostess at a restaurant, the cashier at a convenience store, and so on, and greet them and give them a big smile before asking for what I need. You immediately see a change in their disposition. Cheeriness is definitely contagious, and I think that when you come across someone who is genuinely cheerful–like the gentleman you describe in your post–you walk away feeling like they just gave you a gift
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@Tara — OK, maybe there’s a limit to what we can take!! Like singing cheery kids songs first thing in the morning…
@Stacey/CreateaBalance — We’ll (both of us) get there…one step at a time…
@Tom — That’s right, choosing from within, not by external forces. Great attitude to have!
@Marelisa — You’re right, it did feel like a gift! I guess it felt like a gift, because, like a gift, it’s not something we get all the time. It’s a gift I gladly accepted. And one I hopefully passed on as well!
This is so true. I know if my husband comes home in a bad mood it can easily put me in a bad mood even if I was having a great day. I know the same goes for him. Thank goodness those days are few and far between and most days we can spread our cheer!
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Rachel — I can relate to this completely. It’s so easy to have the mood of our spouses rub off on us — in both good and bad ways.
This post cheered me up. Not that I was that down, but everyday we have the option of being up or down, happy or dour, cheerful or morose. This excellent and inspiring post reminded me of those healthy options.
peace,
mike
livelife365
Viva Avocado!
Mike Fosters last blog post..Viva Avocado!
Hi there Lance. I prefer cheery, but I admit that I don’t always “choose” it. I can say that the friendly rapport of certain people makes a great difference in life. It can change your whole day to connect with a smile.
Davinas last blog post..Stepping Out Of These Old Shoes
@Mike — I’m glad to hear the effect was positive!
@Davina — We are affected by those around us, aren’t we. Their attitude, whatever it is, can affect us. A smile , or a few kind words, can really make a difference!
I just wrote a post on how looking at pictures of Seabiscuit fed my deepest values…to make my little corner of the world a friendlier, more loving place. It won’t publish until shortly after midnight tonight, but the link is http://cheerfulmonk.com/2008/09/22/is-this-really-the-best-use-of-my-time/
It was neat to be patient and encouraging with the fellow on the other end of the line when I was dealing with an insurance matter that should have been resolved several phone calls ago. We must have spent about an hour on the phone, but he was new and doing his best and was encouraging him, telling him not to hurry, it was all right. He ended up saying he wouldn’t take any more of my time but would talk to his supervisor and call me back. He did. That doesn’t mean the company will have resolved the matter, but this interaction warmed my heart.
Thanks for the post on a subject near and dear to my heart.
Jean Browman–Cheerful Monks last blog post..Touching Hearts and Changing Lives
Thanks for the “cheerful” reminder. I notice that I tend to go out of my way frequent businesses that employ the “cheerful” ones, that make you feel like they are so glad you came. On the other hand, I tend to complain about the ones who make you feel like they could care less if you were there. But what does all my complaining do? Nothing. I gotta remember it’s not all about me, and that I need to choose “cheerful” in those moments, because what is needed most is light in those dark places, not more darkness.
You always do a great job of making us stop and think about the important things. Thanks!
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@Jean — First, I’m looking forward to reading the article! Second, that story is a great example of cheerful making the difference between a bad experience and a good experience. And, it warms my heart when I hear stories like this. Thanks for sharing it here.
@Mama C — I think I need to thank you. That we can choose “cheerful” in the darkness of negativity is something I need to remember more often. Instead of getting drawn into the negativity, I should project positivity. Thank you Mama C!
Mine was the order taker at my favorite takeout drive-thru, Wendi’s. She was so CHEERFUL. Had me laughing by the time I got to the front. It was great! She didn’t have to be–could have just been, ‘do you want fries with that?’ But because she went out of her way, I felt pretty darn good, too.
More to that movie, Pass it Forward? Than meets the eye. Thanks for bringing it up. G.
Graces last blog post..What are the basic ABCs of creativity?
This post is spot on, lance. Cheerful is contagious. Humans can’t resist it. This is why I chat to bus drivers, supermarket checkout operators, the guy who runs the corner store. So many people have jobs that can be quite thankless and invisible, so in a way even if you;re serving people all day you may feel lonely and ignored. By talking to someone and smiling at them you instantly shift their energy vibration and you could even change their whole outlook for that day.
Kelly
@Grace — Great example! And I bet you’ll be visiting again! I’ll have to check out that movie…
@Kelly — Keep on doing that Kelly! Keeping on spreading your positivity on the world! That’s such a great way to spread cheerfulness. And you never know how far it’s going to go. How far the next person will take it…
Indeed, in each and every moment, we can choose happiness or sorrow. And I choose that today is a Great day! Thank you Lance.
@Rarestone — Choices. We all have them. Especially in regards to our attitude. I, too, choose for today to be a GREAT day!
I could definitely use some cheerful feelings today! It is true that others can influence how we feel so quickly and they don’t even know it. I’m off to look for some cheerfulness!
Thanks!
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