Props to Positivity

Props to positivity. As corny as it sounds, positivity really can make a world of a difference. Whether it is a friendly greeting from your neighbor, an unexpected compliment by a stranger you simply cross paths with, or praise from your boss. A positive communication has the power to transform someone’s day from gloomy, to at the very least, sunny with a slight overcast.

From an early age, my parents engrained in me the importance of having a positive personality, seeing the good in everyone, and to always offer a helping hand to those in need. However, it wasn’t until later in life that I truly discovered the power of positivity as I found myself in a completely new environment with no connections to the world I previously had known.

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to study abroad in Italy. While I did study through a program with other Americans, I was the only student from my university, and one of the very few from the Mid-West region. The first meeting event with my other classmates was awkward like any other forced social gathering. I tried to be as friendly as possible, some were responsive, some were uninterested, and might have even considered me a little strange.

What was even more absurd was the behavior I witnessed in the streets of Milan. Coming from a small town, it was not abnormal to smile and greet everyone you passed on a street. You more than likely knew him/her, or at least about the person. In fact, it wasn’t until then that I realized it actually makes me uncomfortable to NOT make eye contact and strike up a friendly conversation in an elevator. You can only imagine what the Italians thought of me as I was trying to make chit-chat in broken up Italian because I was being friendly.

Well, it turns out they loved it and I’m not the only one. I found some of my best friends in Italy. I created memories and friendships that will last a lifetime, and I owe it all to the power of positivity and being friendly. I experienced adventures I never even imagined, simply because a stranger asked for help, I responded positively, and showed a real interest, or vice versa. I even found myself being wined and dined by a handsome Italian and chauffeured all around Italy due to positivity. (It’s true: I met my husband in Italy.)

So whether it is a simple hello, or helping someone out in need, positivity and a friendly demeanor can have a huge impact on someone’s day and even change their life. So props to you sunny positivity.