Generate the Positive Energy…
Jay shares thoughts on how we each have the ability to shine radiant, positive light – and although not always easy, we have the power to face our challenges with confidence, hope and excitement.
It’s easy to get discouraged. Especially at this time of year, as it gets dark earlier. Starts to get cold. No more Daylight Savings Time. More likely to be stuck at home. All these things conspire – and they do have their effect on us. But in truth, we don’t have to be victims. We have the ability to take control. Rise above – create our own positive energy – Shine a Light on our challenges – and look forward to a bright and glorious day. Advancing confidently on our journey. Moreover, when we do so, we also have an immensely positive effect on those around us. We’ve all seen how one person’s enthusiasm or optimism can change the whole tone of a room. It’s almost like lighting a candle in the dark – suddenly everything becomes just a bit warmer and a bit brighter. When we carry ourselves with hope, purpose, and the belief that things can get better, that energy spreads. And amazingly, even small actions can make a difference: a friendly word, a supportive gesture, or simply showing up with a smile when others are unsure. Take, for example, a community in New Hampshire that faced a tough economic downturn a few years ago. Instead of sinking into gloom, a small group of residents decided to start a weekly winter market in the town hall. Not a grand initiative – just a gathering place with local crafts, baked goods, and music. But it gave people a reason to come together when days felt short and spirits low. Before long, the market grew, new friendships formed, and a sense of local pride returned. That was shining a light – not waiting for someone else to fix things but making the positive energy themselves. And similarly, think of the countless small towns across America where someone decides to start something simple – a book club, a neighborhood clean-up, a community potluck. Not earth-shaking events. But these moments of taking charge, of choosing connection over isolation, often spark something far bigger. One person’s initiative can remind an entire town that it still has life, warmth, and possibility inside it. All it takes is someone willing to say, “Let’s make this better” – and to actually begin. So yes, the days may be darker right now. The cold may be creeping in. But the real light – the real warmth – doesn’t come from the sky or the season. It comes from us. From our willingness to keep moving forward, keep believing, keep shining. When we choose to generate positive energy, we not only lift ourselves – we help lift everyone around us. And that’s a powerful, beautiful thing we can each do, every single day. So, I urge you – please give it a try – not tomorrow, but today!
This week we are delighted to highlight a truly positive spirit – Dolly Parton. Dolly grew up in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, one of twelve children in a family that didn’t have much money, but had an abundance of love, music, and faith. She began writing songs as a child, using her voice and imagination to express her hopes and dreams. When she moved to Nashville to pursue music professionally, she carried with her not only talent, but a deep sense of gratitude, humility, and a joyful spirit that seemed to shine naturally. Her music career would eventually make her a global icon — but it is her generous heart and positive energy that have made her a beloved leader and source of inspiration. Dolly has always had a unique way of looking at challenges. She once said, “If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.” She lives this philosophy — whether she’s on stage, in interviews, or simply talking with people. Her laughter is warm and genuine, her presence is welcoming, and she never hesitates to encourage others to dream big. She reminds us that confidence doesn’t need to be loud — it can be bright, kind, and joyful. Dolly’s optimism is not naïve; it is chosen. She knows hardship, but she also knows the power of shining a positive light through it. One of the most remarkable examples of Dolly’s positive leadership is her Imagination Library initiative. Started in her home county in Tennessee, it provides free books to children from birth to age five. What began as a local effort to support literacy has now grown to deliver over 200 million books worldwide. Think about that: millions of children, in thousands of communities, receiving the gift of stories, imagination, and learning — simply because Dolly believed every child deserves a bright start. She didn’t wait for someone else to solve the problem. She shined her own light. And there’s more. When devastating wildfires struck the Smoky Mountain region in 2016, Dolly didn’t just express sympathy — she took action. She launched the “My People Fund,” providing direct financial assistance to families who had lost their homes. She offered hope when hope felt distant. She showed what it means to care for community — not as an idea, but as a practice. Her kindness reminded people that they were not alone, that healing can begin when someone says, “I see you, and I’m here with you.” So, we thank Dolly Parton — for her music, yes — but even more for her compassion, her laughter, her generosity, and her steadfast belief in the potential of every person. She shows us that shining a positive light does not require perfection or grand gestures. It requires love, sincerity, and the courage to act. Dolly teaches us that joy is a gift we can give — again and again — and that a single ray of light can brighten an entire community.
Quote of the Week
“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” — Maya Angelou
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