“Enthusiasm is the mother of effort, and without it nothing great was ever achieved.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson.
“Youth” is a touchy subject. Women (and men) spend a lot of money to look younger – hiding wrinkles, dark spots, gray hair, no hair… the list goes on.
When I explored Y words, I fell in love with the idea of Youthful Enthusiasm. It’s my first two-word Alphabet word!
Youthful Enthusiasm refers to heightened eagerness and excitement… often associated with young people. It’s also characterized by a fresh, vigorous and active attitude.
While parts of me (those old shadow selves again) might literally be immature, there are other parts that are mature and wise, but also brimming with youthful enthusiasm. It’s not necessarily a tug-of-war because wisdom tells us to value this type of enthusiasm.
It’s akin to gratitude, or at least the characteristics are complimentary. You don’t see too many grouchy, ungrateful people displaying youthful enthusiasm out there, now do you?
And before I forget, I know a lot of young people who are anything BUT enthusiastic, so – to me – youthful enthusiasm applies to anyone who ‘has it’ and it has nothing whatsoever to do with age.
When I think about “being tired of everything” – and I’m going to start calling it boredom because I’ve been skirting around that word (in denial) – it seems clear to me that what’s missing in my life right now is just that… youthful enthusiasm.
I did it to myself, you know. I’ve hit an age where I believe that “Oh, I’m too old for that shit” is an acceptable excuse to not do certain things, but at this stage I’m actually NOT too old… I just don’t want to do these things.
Psychologically, on the other hand, my brain keeps receiving this information: “you’re too old, you’re too old, you’re too old.” And you know what happens when you hear something over and over… eventually you’ll believe it.
So, I’m going to work on that. I said I’m not challenging myself enough and that is most certainly a challenge… so (hopefully) I’ll keep you posted on my progress.
As for the image, it’s another random one. I believe it may be my own depiction of youthful enthusiasm… but the young girl is certainly hiding it well.
That’s funny too because it reminds me of my own adolescence / teenage years when I thought it was so Uncool to be overly enthusiastic.
So perhaps this girl didn’t get the memo yet. It’s COOL to be brimming with youthful enthusiasm. And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!
Maybe that can be my new mantra. It sure beats “I’m too old for this shit.”
I guess that’s all for now. Thank you so much for reading/ viewing. I hope you found something enjoyable here!
I’ll be back soon for my finale… the letter Z.
I’ve enjoyed this Blogging through the Alphabet so much that I’m going to do another series like it, only something other than letters. Maybe numbers. That would certainly be challenging! We shall see. If you have any ideas… give me a shout.
Until next time…
peace and love!
a sprinkle of faith 
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