ENTHUSIASM

Enthusiasm 
​Noun
Intense and eager enjoyment , interest or approval. 
 
“ his zest and enthusiasm for life is a grace in itself”
“ enthusiasm is a magnet for good” 
“enthusiasm can turn shelling peas into an art and work into a hobby” 
"time spent in one's inspira-zone refuels enthusiasm"   ((inspirazone.html))
 
Ah Enthusiam …. Elusive some days without really knowing why.  Harder to muster up the tally-ho attitude as we get older and knocked around. 
 
An extract below from  Earl Prevette (1895-1960) - How to turn your Ability into Cash.  He  says it well. 

“What is enthusiasm?
Enthusiasm comes from two Greek words--"En," which means "in," and "theos," which means "God"--"in God." To be inspired or possessed by God. It is a strong feeling on behalf of a cause or a situation. An ardent and imaginative zeal or interest that flames with action.
 
Enthusiasm is that feeling within , that inspires and prompts one to act without thought of reward. It is that inspiring, vitalizing, propelling power that takes possession of an individual and causes him to lose himself in that which he is doing. It is the most powerful form of energy that one can generate. The influence of enthusiasm on the human mind and body is as demonstrable as that of breathing. Its results can be measured in terms of increased physical vitality, greater intellectual buoyancy, moral stamina, and a deeper understanding of the realities underlying all human action.
 
Enthusiasm lights up the whole human consciousness, floods every cell with energy, puts sparkle in the eye, and scintillates the entire personality.
 
How to generate enthusiasm

1. Preparation , Discipline , “Meden Agan” (Greek)  Nothing in excess
2. Ask questions , stay curious
3. Have the right attitude
4. Pull together ,  focus
5. Look in , be introspective
6. Look without , be retrospective​

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For all his toughness ,  hard exterior and seriousness , I do associate my late dad with “enthusiasm” .  He was self-driven and forged ahead , often alone. I admire  those who retain enthusiasm well into their twilight years ,  particularly when they have suffered a deep personal loss and find themselves alone .  What grit it must take to wake up each day and soldier through it .  My deepest respect to many such silent heroes around ! 
 
List THREE simple things that fire up your enthusiasm , and spend 15 minutes daily doing these. 

Enjoy yourself , and others will enjoy you more.  Satisfy your creative needs first and the day's irritants will seem that much lighter.  

An enjoyable TED on INTENTIONAL ENTHUSIASM ,  9 minutes only !