Yoohoo, thrivers — thank you
Let’s thank the thrivers for showing us the way. You know them, the annoying health nuts who can’t wait for you to toss your sodas into the trash bin of history and join them on the vitality trail. The financially sound who patiently explain the basics over and over and over till we get it.
You cannot get sick enough to help sick people get better. You cannot get poor enough to help poor people thrive. It is only in your thriving that you have anything to offer anyone. If you’re wanting to be of an advantage to others, be as tapped in, tuned in, turned on as you can possibly be.
Martin Seligman
What was their favorite method? Studying those who lived optimally. Abraham Maslow was the first to point out — to my knowledge — that psychology had focused for more than 50 years on mental illness. Positive psychologists felt there was a better way, by researching how the best among us bloom.
We can do that too. By looking to those around us who are flourishing. They leave clues. In fact, they are living clues. What do the vibrant do? Ask. Observe. Emulate.
So today is a big sloppy wet kiss to the thrivers, in whatever capacity you find them.
I’d like to note a few thrivers I know here.
My eight-year-old son stands out. That boy can find joy the way birds find themselves aloft — often, and as a way of life.
I also know a colleague who’s been going through bouts of cancer for years now — and this man is a testament to humming along no matter what you face. His cheerfulness makes those of us who know him realize what whiners we can be in the face of lesser issues.
And finally, Paul Kraemer, who is one happy beast when he’s at work — or play — or in conversation. Paul believes in you like your parents did when you were two. It’s infectious. You walk away muttering, damn, I am just the coolest cat, aren’t I?! . . . . That’s a gift, Paul, to all of us you splash your enthusiasm upon.
Thrive on, all you soaring souls. Thrive on you, who are reading this now, as you often do. Thrive it up, you wild ones, you full-hearted ones, you amp-up-the-goodness godlings out there — you make our world zing.
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