While peeking around various corners of the web this morning I came across a comment left by an anonymous writer in the feedback section offered after an article announcing a prominent person's death.
Upon writing a beautiful tribute to the lady that had passed away, the person finished with a poignant message...
"I wish I'd known her..."
There are celebrities in the entertainment industry and people of note in the world that we read about often because of their accomplishments. Their lives can be fascinating to follow. Some for salacious reasons, some for admirable ones and some just because they exude that "it" quality that captivates.
These "stars" of entertainment, politics, sports or other predominant industry are rarely accessible in terms of ever being available to those outside of their circles. Simply put, the "fans" will never have a chance to ever fully know the real person behind the one we place upon a pedestal.
But some of them can be so inspiring, so magnetic that we wish we could know them.
This kind of dynamic impression exuding from people "of note" does not have to be limited to those we read about in the papers or see online in our news feeds.
Consider this...
Are you someone who lives an admirable life? Do you set good examples and follow those examples no matter what? Do you offer comfort and support when it's called for (and even when it's not) and an effervescent presence when you're at a gathering? Are you someone that elevates the mood when you walk in a room?
If so, chances are that other people notice you and are drawn to your welcoming qualities.
Have you ever met someone or know someone already in your life that just makes you feel better when you are around them? Before they even utter a word after entering the room, their sunny, open faces just radiate a joy that can't help but elicit a happy response from you and everyone else around.
Now remember a time when the opposite were true. Oh, no. Here comes Mr. Sour Puss or Mrs. Crabby Pants. They wear an eternal grim mask of gloom in disgruntled knots. Always on edge, always focusing on the negative, always a barrel of laughs... not.
And then there is everyone in between, all along the spectrum.
Where do you fit in? What personality do you possess? Are you content with whichever persona you project into the world? It's fairly easy to tell what effect you have on others, unless you are completely out of touch. Do you feel a lightening of the air when you enter a gathering or does everything come to a suffocating halt?
And I realize that moods change. Outside forces can take a great day and mood and shift it to yuck as easily as it can swing things into positive from negative in an instant. I'm not referring to that. This is about the general "vibe" you emit relatively consistently.
If you do add a breath of fresh air to your surroundings, wonderful! I'm sure those around you appreciate your contribution.
If not, and you long to make some changes in your demeanor, there is hope. Number one, try listening with an intent to chime in with an optimistic edge. Enhance the conversation with uplifting exchanges. Look for what's positive and expand on those aspects. If you happen to automatically cut people down without even giving thought to the harm you are doing... stop! Run that sentence you were about to say through your head first and ask yourself, would I want someone to verbally assault me like this?
I realize that it can be hard to monitor your thoughts before you speak every time. However, given that you are an intelligent life form capable of controlling all other aspects of yourself, perhaps it's time to get a better handle on your mouth. Practice positive thinking when you are alone, going about your day. See the world around you in "glass half full" goggles. The littlest things suddenly bring satisfaction, the colors appear brighter, sounds are softer and the more you work on your attitude, the better you'll feel. Gradually you can become a person who adds merriment to your surroundings, attracting those around you.
But most of all, whether you are bubbly to begin with or honing your social skills, be open to those you know or are getting to know. Share with them who you are and what you have to offer with a light-hearted, accessible approach. This isn't about baring your soul for scrutiny, deep secrets are best left to yourself. This is about connecting on a safe level.
Don't be shy about contributing your unique qualities to the world. Be someone who others can't help but want to know and spend time with. After all, you don't have to make a global impression in order to succeed in making a difference. If just one person in your world is left with lasting, raised spirits just by having known you, then you have succeeded.
Now remember a time when the opposite were true. Oh, no. Here comes Mr. Sour Puss or Mrs. Crabby Pants. They wear an eternal grim mask of gloom in disgruntled knots. Always on edge, always focusing on the negative, always a barrel of laughs... not.
And then there is everyone in between, all along the spectrum.
Where do you fit in? What personality do you possess? Are you content with whichever persona you project into the world? It's fairly easy to tell what effect you have on others, unless you are completely out of touch. Do you feel a lightening of the air when you enter a gathering or does everything come to a suffocating halt?
And I realize that moods change. Outside forces can take a great day and mood and shift it to yuck as easily as it can swing things into positive from negative in an instant. I'm not referring to that. This is about the general "vibe" you emit relatively consistently.
If you do add a breath of fresh air to your surroundings, wonderful! I'm sure those around you appreciate your contribution.
If not, and you long to make some changes in your demeanor, there is hope. Number one, try listening with an intent to chime in with an optimistic edge. Enhance the conversation with uplifting exchanges. Look for what's positive and expand on those aspects. If you happen to automatically cut people down without even giving thought to the harm you are doing... stop! Run that sentence you were about to say through your head first and ask yourself, would I want someone to verbally assault me like this?
I realize that it can be hard to monitor your thoughts before you speak every time. However, given that you are an intelligent life form capable of controlling all other aspects of yourself, perhaps it's time to get a better handle on your mouth. Practice positive thinking when you are alone, going about your day. See the world around you in "glass half full" goggles. The littlest things suddenly bring satisfaction, the colors appear brighter, sounds are softer and the more you work on your attitude, the better you'll feel. Gradually you can become a person who adds merriment to your surroundings, attracting those around you.
But most of all, whether you are bubbly to begin with or honing your social skills, be open to those you know or are getting to know. Share with them who you are and what you have to offer with a light-hearted, accessible approach. This isn't about baring your soul for scrutiny, deep secrets are best left to yourself. This is about connecting on a safe level.
Don't be shy about contributing your unique qualities to the world. Be someone who others can't help but want to know and spend time with. After all, you don't have to make a global impression in order to succeed in making a difference. If just one person in your world is left with lasting, raised spirits just by having known you, then you have succeeded.
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