Are You Contagious?

“A healthy attitude is contagious but don't wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier.”
-- Tom Stoppard

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Recently, I heard a colleague say they had just come from the doctor’s office and were diagnosed with a viral infection. Someone asked “Are you contagious?” The colleague advised, “You should probably keep your distance, I still might be. Hearing the word “contagious” and not wanting to be affected (infected) by my colleagues condition, I decided to distance myself.

Distancing myself, I began thinking about our contagious effects. I thought about how just being in the presence of others can affect others. Contagious comes from the word “contagion.” A contagion is anything that has the tendency to spread. Contagions are not limited to the biological realm (spreading of viruses and bacteria). Our behavior and actions have a contagious effect too. So I ask you “Are you contagious?” Are you conscious of the affect your attitude and behavior has on others? Or, do you just go about your day affecting people you come in contact without much thought or consideration?

You can catch more than a virus or bacteria from someone else. A person’s bad mood and negative attitude will have an affect on those around them. The more exposure you have to negative person the more likely you are to display negative tendencies. One employee in your office, one player on your team, or one person in your group is capable of creating negative environment for all. One’s attitude definitely affects others! A rude waiter can ruin your dinner. A complaining co-worker can disrupt the office environment. A cantankerous relative can cut short the family outing - the list goes on.

There is good news! Positive attitudes are contagious too. Think about it – a smile really is contagious. It is hard not to smile when somebody smiles at you. Do you not feel somewhat energized in the presence of an enthusiastic person? What type of affect does an affable person have upon you? Being around positive people certainly has a positive effect.

It is not only important to think about how your attitude and behavior affect (infects) others, it is also important to think about how you allow the attitude and behavior of others to affect (infect) you. Pay close attention to those around you. Some associations you can choose, others, like you work co-workers, you are sort of stuck with. When you choose, choose people who will have a positive affect on you. If you happen to be stuck with a “Negative Nellie” or a “Pouting Paul” distance yourself as much as possible and keep your guard up by maintaining a positive attitude. The Good Book reminds us that keeping poor company will destroy good character - 1 Corinthians 15:33.

Remember, you are not an island. Your attitudes, both good and bad, not only affect you, but have an affect on a multitude of others. So I ask you “Are you contagious?” Are spreading a good attitude or a bad attitude. If you are one of those people who have a bad attitude, please stay home because nobody wants want you have.

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It’s your life: live it, love it, & celebrate it!
MJD!