Recently, my sorority participated in a sisterhood activity involving writing a sweet message to every sister in our chapter. The messages were simple -- what we loved and appreciated about the sister in question. When I looked at my messages a week later, two words kept popping up: bubbly, and positive. I’m proud that I’ve affected so many people with my positive personality. I thoroughly enjoy making someone’s day a little better with an encouraging word or smile at the right time, and I constantly wish it was easier to accomplish.

Contrary to popular belief, I’m not a naturally positive person. I wake up in the morning and I am just as cranky as the next person. Dunkin' Donuts messing up my order makes me feel like the world is ending. I want to scream more often than I want to smile, and I would love to tell someone to buzz off the next time they complain about how hard a test was when they most likely aced it.

Every day is a struggle to smile instead of scowl at people on campus. I fight with myself to give someone encouragement instead of shrugging them off. Most of the time, it would be so much easier to let the door slam in someone else’s face or scream at the person walking too slow in front of me. Instead, nine times out of 10, I stick a smile on my face and accept life for what it is.

So maybe I woke up in a bad mood. At least I woke up! Dunkin' messed up my order. At least I have access to food, and everyone here is probably just as busy as I am -- I should cut them some slack. Giving someone a kind word instead of a mean look doesn’t take much effort, and seeing their face afterwards fills me with happiness. If I don’t accomplish anything else in a day, I would hope I at least make someone else’s day a little bit better. If I am going to make any impact in the world, no matter how small, I truly want it to be a positive one.

Being positive isn’t easy. Most of the time, it’s downright hard. Looking at the glass as half full instead of half empty is, arguably, one of the most incredibly stupid things to do. A healthy dose of cynicism, something my campus does not seem to be lacking, can help you tremendously in life. Too much positivity can make a funeral incredibly awkward, and telling someone one too many times that they’re going to do well on a presentation, they’re worried might get you slapped. Positivity at the right times, however, can truly help you get ahead.

A good attitude during a long work meeting or an awful sports practice can earn you brownie points with your boss or coach. Positive thinking during a test, while it won’t reverse the effects of not studying at all, will help you think that you know what you’re doing -- and that confidence may score you an extra point or two where it matters. Positivity rubs off on others. Sure, you may think that your smile or perky “Good morning!” doesn’t affect people. But there’s a very large chance you’re wrong! So go ahead, decide today that it’s important to think optimistically. Encourage those around you to do their best, and push yourself just as hard. Think positive thoughts during your awful commute or the long wait for your bagel. The energy you give off? That might just change the world.

Don't believe me? Maybe you'll believe this cute dog instead.