ANDRE BEGIN

Shortly after moving to the country, after visiting the local shops every week, I started getting recognized and getting asked the question: “Are you always in a good mood like that?”

I suppose I should take it as a compliment if total strangers see me as a positive, upbeat guy. To me, it is interesting that this question has come up a few times in my life from complete strangers, which I suppose is better than, “Are you for real?”

Recently, a cashier at our nearby grocery store followed up with, “Are you ever in a bad mood?”

The fact of the matter is that I believe I have a good life, for which I have many reasons to be grateful. Because of that, it is easy to put on a happy face when I am out running errands or going to appointments. During my interactions with people along the way, there is no reason to be anything but gracious, upbeat and kind as well as grateful for the wonderful work that they do.

To me, keeping the positive energy flowing seems to be the way to make things more pleasant for everyone.

I’d like to think that being that smiling, happy guy in someone’s day might be the counterpoint needed if they dealt with a less-than-ideal customer. I’d like to be that guy who helps people’s day go more smoothly, just because, not because I have to or because I get anything out of it. And actually, I prefer for them to think, “Oh, yay, it’s him again,” rather than ducking behind counters saying to themselves, “Oh no, not him again.”

In this world where kindness and civility seem to be losing ground, personally, I like to exhibit the behaviour I’d rather see. So far, it seems to work as I find waiting staff, retail staff and the teams at my professionals’ offices happy to see me.

Does a sunny disposition have a positive ripple effect? I think it does.

Is it contagious? I think it can be.

Does it make for a more fun day all around? You bet!

Sure, I might have an occasional day where something might be weighing on me, or I get frustrated by things out of my control. But that’s no reason to allow a storm cloud to build over my head and then to inflict it on innocent bystanders. Why let something completely unrelated sour my demeanour? It’s about keeping things separate. I know it is sometimes easier said than done, but with practice, it is possible to navigate life and leave everyone’s dignity intact.

That being the case, when someone asks if I am always in a good mood, my answer is usually “pretty much”. And when they ask if I ever have a bad day, the answer is “sometimes, but I tend to keep it to myself.” That way, I hope I leave people with a positive impression and ripple effect of good energy to carry on with their day.

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Sincere thanks for reading!
Have a great day,
André