Being Positive is Contagious... Pass it on!

I discovered early in life that there are two elements to living; the positive and the negative. I also learned that these elements are a part of every thing. On the opposite of strength, there is  weakness. And sometimes the positive and negative forces, within us and as constant components of life, almost tear us apart. I have observed that most people, however miserable, usually want to be happy.  We wish our existence could be more like a merry-go-round ride and less of a roller-coaster, but life sometimes has a way of punching one in the stomach so hard, through all kinds of adverse circumstances and events, that the person punched feels like giving up… or puking :)

I was pondering on the existence of opposition in all things while I was seated in a first class cabin of American Airlines (where I work) one Saturday morning, when I met an elderly woman who had just participated in the Senior Special Olympics. This little lady had placed in five events and very happily announced she won both silver and gold medals for discus, shot-put, and the long jump. In fact, she broke her own discus record. Then she proudly told me that she was in her eighties.

After witnessing this woman’s strength of spirit, not being held back at all by her age and its physical challenges, as well as the joy she still finds in life, I felt a positive energy that made me want to burst right out of my seat and do cartwheels down the aisle of that jetliner.


Her example made me ask myself, “Why should we ever give up or dwell on the negative?”  It makes no sense. No amount of terrorism, depression, or evil will ever overtake the positive side of so many who surround our lives every day; those who have not quit no matter how much adversity they face. It is the spirit of people like this woman, which exists within our families, our friends, our coworkers, and comrades, which rejuvenates us all.  It changes our society, and our world.  A sweet elderly woman who shared her joy with me that day has changed me, and helped me view my own challenges with a greater desire to overcome! I hope this story has restored your positive spirit… and that you will pass on the optimism in your own special way!


Sandy Russell