Sunday, June 10, 2012

(Trying to be) Relentlessly Positive

Oh the rain is my shepherd it makes me lie with you
back before the moon fell from the sky
now it's sudden death, overtime
in the darkest corners of my mind
and I've lost the thread, I cannot tell a lie

The Pines, Chimes, from the album Dark So Gold

My relentlessly positive Golden Retriever, Annie. (photo credit, Max) 
The other day I was in a conversation with some pals.  One person described a mutual acquaintance as being relentlessly positive. 
  
I am struck with the concept of relentlessly positive.  The concept actually makes the hair on the back of my neck stand on end.  Is it even possible to be relentlessly positive?  How would it feel to be known as a relentlessly positive person?  What kind of vibes does a relentlessly positive person radiate?  Are relentlessly positive people actually positive all the time or are they just really good at hiding their true feelings?  
  
My key-word image search for 'relentlessly positive' is disappointing.  Google spits out happy faces and little engines that could and cute babies, but nothing that really speaks to me. When I think of relentlessly positive I consider words like resiliency and overcoming adversity. I think of how people make me feel in their presence and how I make others feel in my presence.  I think of friends, and acquaintances who share the gift of positive thinking. Naturally, I think of runners, people like Barefoot Bob, David, the other David, Gwen, Connie, Bill, Melissa, Lovely Linda, and so many others. They are relentlessly positive and their presence fills me with joy.

They are runners and they exude positive energy. Energy pours from their heart and they flourish in their own skin. My eyes light up in the brilliance of their smile.  The honesty of their laughter rings true and loud. They are happy people and they are comfortable in their own skin.  They make others shine in their presence. These are the people I choose to hang with, to run with, to laugh with.  My steps are quicker and my load is lighter while running at their side.  If runners are such people then I choose to run.

Who are the relentlessly positive people in your life? Surround yourself with these people, embrace them, breathe in their energy, savour their smile, and at the end of the day you will sleep well and you will glow from within.

As always, friends... runners, riders, walkers, swimmers... damaged, hurt, injured, sad, flourishing, languishing... look for the relentlessly positive people in your life. Wrap your head around their heart and soul and remember, it is a good day to be alive, yes?

Mike