Description
Cheerfulness is seeing the bright side and looking for the good in whatever happens. It is maintaining a positive attitude of optimism and confidence. When we give cheerfully we are wholeheartedly helpful. Even when life is challenging, we make the best of it. We trust that all will be well. We nurture happiness. A cheerful smile can light up everyone’s day.
Quote
“There is one thing one has to have: either a soul that is cheerful by nature, or a soul made cheerful by work, love, art, and knowledge.”
— Francois-Marie Voltaire
The Practice of Cheerfulness
- I keep a positive outlook.
- I look for ways to be helpful.
- I give wholeheartedly.
- I am optimistic amidst the currents of life.
- I feel confident and happy.
- I trust in the goodness of life.
Definitions and practices of virtue are used with permission from the Virtues Project™.
In Family Life
The virtue of cheerfulness in a family manifests itself in a warm and inviting atmosphere where laughter and smiles are frequent visitors. It is demonstrated through the genuine exchange of positive emotions, even in the face of challenges. In such a family, members support one another’s dreams and offer solace during difficult times, all with a reassuring sense of optimism. Cheerfulness is not the absence of problems but the resilience to tackle them with a hopeful spirit, fostering an environment where bonds grow stronger and happiness finds a lasting home.
Balancing Virtues:
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- Perceptiveness: Perceptiveness balances cheerfulness by encouraging a grounded perspective that acknowledges positive and negative situations, fostering authenticity and genuine emotional experiences.
- Resilience: Resilience counteracts underdeveloped cheerfulness by promoting the ability to bounce back from challenges, fostering a positive mindset even in the face of adversity, and maintaining hope for the future.
- Empathy: Empathy helps balance cheerfulness by encouraging understanding and validation of one’s and others’ emotions, fostering genuine connections and support.
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By cultivating a balance with these virtues, we can harness the positive aspects of cheerfulness while remaining grounded, resilient, and empathetic in navigating life’s ups and downs.