Accidental Enthusiasm

The other day, a friend asked me if I’d read a particular book or seen the accompanying movie. I responded that I hadn’t read nor watched and started to inquire back: “Do you like?” 

“Like,” however, autocorrected to “love,” which suddenly felt very formal and serious for a simple book recommendation. 

“Ha,” I wrote back, “Ha at ‘like’ autocorrecting to ‘love.’”  

“I like (and love!)” my friend said. 

Added enthusiasm can be a bit charming, no?

This is also the friend who, upon being asked how they are, will almost never reply with a “good, thanks, and you?” but rather a thoughtful combination of letters giving me something more exciting to ponder. 

As I’ve been thinking about this extra enthusiasm thing, I realize how many positive associations I have with folks who reply with sincere joy. Oh there may be a place for “fine, and you?” But I’d rather live in spaces where “I’m excellent because I just read the most marvelous article” is the norm. 

I’d rather live in a way that rewards joy and levity. Now, more than ever, I think finding and holding people who infuse that into our lives is essential. 

So may we all be a little more enthusiastic than we think necessary this week. 

May we all feel happy to bubble over with things we like and things we love.