Energy Conservation of a Different Sort

When looking at a site dealing with environmental issues it is fair to assume the phrase "energy conservation" refers to saving electricity, gas etc. But I would like to throw a twist into this and also include personal energy conservation.

I recently had dinner with a friend of mine who, for a variety of reasons was just not in a "happy place". She was looking at the world from a classic "glass is half empty" perspective. No matter what the conversation was about, she saw the negative side of the issue. Because I tend to be more of a "glass is half full" person I would counter with the positive spin.

While the dinner was enjoyable, it was rather draining.

This then got me to thinking about the power of our own personal source of energy and how simple it might be to make the world a little bit brighter.

For the next few days I made a concerted effort to smile and be positive, especially to 'strangers' such as the cashier at the grocery store and people I would pass by on the street. I also tried to slow myself down and make sure I took the time to simply say "hello" to people.

What I found was not only that the old cliche "smile and the world smiles back at you" still rings true, but also I had more energy. At the end of the day there was more spring in my step. In addition to conserving energy, I had been able to create energy!

Now whenever I turn off a light to conserve energy, I also remind myself to smile.

For those times that we all go through where the glass is not only half empty but the the glass itself is dirty, I recommend you check out the site Cuteoverload. Stay there until you find yourself laughing, then turn off a light and smile.