What is positivity what do ya do with it, anyway - When I Grow Up

What is positivity what do ya do with it, anyway - When I Grow Up From Sarah Gardners Flickr stream. You can find her prints to buy here. When i think of the word positivity a bunch of singular words pop into my head. Words like Radiant. Cheerful. Optimistic. Hopeful. Inspired. Encouraging. Light (both literally, like a light bulb, and figuratively, like a state of being). Energized. Enthused. Throughout my adult life, Ive been prepared to wish for the best and expect the worst. Got that big part I wanted? Just so happens it conflicts with my best friends wedding. Didnt get the big part I was up for? Just so happens a huge agent signed the girl that got it. Alanis Morisette would call it ironic, but I would just call it crappy luck. So, when people would ask if I was a glass-half-full or a glass-half-empty girl, Id have to think: I do see the glass as half full, but I also expect that when I go to refill it Ill be out of whatever I was drinking (probably wine) or the water from the tap will be green. What does that make me? An optimistic pessimist? A pessimistic optimist? I realized, though, that when I would describe myself as anything but an optimist to, well, anyone thats known me for more than a few minutes, Id be greeted by a scoff and a chuckle. Why, youre a huge optimist, Michelle! Always so encouraging, and driven, and supportive. Youre always such a positive presence, always laughing and smiling and full of energy. How can you say youre anything but an optimist? Glad you asked. I think part of me wanted to hang on to my sarcastic wit and all those experiences that left me jaded. I wanted to be considered tough and be able to complain at will. But now, at the tender age of 31, I see how not only do those choices not serve me but theyre not me! Not to say Im going to lose my sarcasm, or the tough guy voice I put on that says Im from Strong Island and lived in East Harlem. Dont mess but now I know I do it for comedic effect.   I want to bring sunshine, and optimism, and positivity wherever I go and to whomever I speak to. But not in an annoying way. I know that Tough (Question) Tuesday was yesterday, but Id love for you to share in the Comments section what positivity means to you, and how you give it to yourself or the world. And dont forget to leave a Comment here if youre contributing to Positivity Week so I can link to you!