First-Year Student Journals : Matthew : Reflections

Reflections

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

—Proverbs 17:22

I always try to have a positive outlook in my life throughout everyday situations. Keeping my spirits high has helped me through some difficult circumstances, and I have found that it encourages most of those around me.

Am I always happy? Definitely not. But I try to make the most of every situation, knowing that everything in my life is happening for a reason beyond my comprehension.

I've also realized that being happy around people (or just smiling at strangers) yields weird looks. In addition to knowing what it's like as a cheerful person, I also know what it feels like to have a depressing outlook on life. In all my experiences, with this kind of attitude, it has dragged down other people as well as myself. I know what it's like on both sides, and I know that a positive viewpoint makes a world a difference. I'm continuously thankful for everything I have and the blessings that I have received.

“You're so smiley” is a compliment I received recently from a relatively new friend. I don't want to seem like one of those cheesy guys on TV toothpaste commercials with a smile plastered on his face because I'm not like that. Genuine happiness is a gift and it has definitely been a medicine in my life.



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	Reflections “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” —Proverbs 17:22 I always try to have a positive outlook in my life throughout everyday situations. Keeping my spirits high has helped me through some difficult circumstances, and I have found that it encourages most of those around me. Am I always happy? Definitely not. But I try to make the most of every situation, knowing that everything in my life is happening for a reason beyond my comprehension. I've also realized that being happy around people (or just smiling at strangers) yields weird looks. In addition to knowing what it's like as a cheerful person, I also know what it feels like to have a depressing outlook on life. In all my experiences, with this kind of attitude, it has dragged down other people as well as myself. I know what it's like on both sides, and I know that a positive viewpoint makes a world a difference. I'm continuously thankful for everything I have and the blessings that I have received. “You're so smiley” is a compliment I received recently from a relatively new friend. I don't want to seem like one of those cheesy guys on TV toothpaste commercials with a smile plastered on his face because I'm not like that. Genuine happiness is a gift and it has definitely been a medicine in my life.