Are You An Uplifter?
Anyone who knows me already knows I’m a little on the optimistic side. Okay, A LOT! Meaning, they absolutely love me for my positive view on life and call me when they need a boost. And those who don’t know me find me either contagiously happy or annoyingly optimistic. I don’t know about you, but either is a huge compliment in my eyes! :-)
Before you decide if you are an “uplifter” let’s look at what it means to “uplift.” I found the following definition here:
Definition of uplift (v):
1. To raise; elevate
2. To raise to a higher social, intellectual, or moral level or condition
3. To raise to spiritual or emotional heights; exalt: music that uplifts the spirit
(I should also mention it referenced a bra and something geology related, but we’ll keep moving on. ;-) )
Let’s begin by asking a few questions.
Are you a “cup half-full” or “cup half-empty” kind of thinker? Do you immediately think of yourself before you think of others? And how much do you care about other people’s feelings, whether you know them or not?
These are all important questions to ask to figure out if you are out there lifting people up in a positive way, or decide you want to start leaving your own intoxicating imprint on the people you encounter everyday.
To uplift one’s spirits is to make this world a better place.
Let me share a story with you. About 20 years ago, I got a job working night shifts for a taxi company as a call-taker. I needed the money and was happy to find it. My first day of work, I couldn’t help but notice the one guy in the room. He was extremely grumpy, super sarcastic and fabulously gay! I loved him! Even though he seemed annoyed with my positive attitude — and despite the lack of his — I was determined to knock him off his broomstick, or at least, make room for a passenger.
As it turned out, my persistent smiles penetrated his dark soul because he approached our supervisor and sarcastically asked her, “Where the hell did this ray of sunshine come from?!” Needless to say, we became the best of friends. In fact, one of the deepest, longest friendships I have ever had. I even went from being a mousey brunette to a blonde, thanks to him! (Thank God for gay men!! ;-) )
Now, let me ask you. Do you think we would have cultivated such an illuminating friendship had I mirrored his fiery attitude? Probably not. And, I most certainly wouldn’t have let him colour my hair blonde! But, because I was always smiling and showing him and everyone else that life is pretty cool from where I stand, it forced him to look at life from another perspective as well. See how that works?
Here’s another great opportunity to be an uplifter. Tell me if this sounds familiar at all. A cart full of groceries, three people in front of you, and behind you. Not much you can do, right? Wrong.
This is an ultimate uplifting opportunity people! Don’t look at your phone. Don’t text or reshuffle your soup cans.
“So what am I supposed to do, Tamara?” Well, I’m so happy you asked.
It’s so easy. Are you ready? LOOK UP! Smile at the human beings around you. Say “Hi, how’s your day?” Allow them a moment to respond. What if you were the first person they talked to all day? What impression do you want to leave? Smile and simply say, “Hi.” You’ll be amazed.
Then, when you get to your friendly — or sometimes not — cashier (because a dozen people didn’t even acknowledge her existence), look up and smile. Take an extra second to glance at their name-tag and even say their name. Tell them “thank you” for their service. You honestly have no idea how few people do this. Be THAT person. You are already standing there, so just look up, smile and say something nice! :-)
There are hundreds of ways we can be uplifters out in the world.
Figure out the way that works best for you. All you need to know is that it starts with you being a positive person and allowing others to experience how elated you are to live your own life.
When they see how tickled pink you are to just be you on a day-to-day basis, people can’t help but feel the ripple effect of your optimism.
More at tamaraspeaks.com
