I’m doing the A to Z Challenge in April using the theme “What to Pack on Your Creative Journey.” Today, we’ll put Enthusiasm in our metaphorical suitcase, when no one’s looking.

Well, enthusiasm is the divine particle in our composition: with it we are great, generous, and true; without it, we are little, false, and mean. ~Letitia Elizabeth Landon, Ethel Churchill (or The Two Brides), 1837.

When other traits and virtues, like courage or determination, are difficult to summon as you pack for your creative journey, enthusiasm makes a worthy substitute. Enthusiasm can outpace fear, overcome shame, and calm anger – while being easier to access than courage, confidence, or peace.

Enthusiasm is as easy as love. Love your creative project and love all the weird and eccentric things that you bring to it, because they are what make your expression authentic.

The hardest thing about enthusiasm is that it’s considered deeply uncool in our society, so most of us have learned to curb it. If you have to keep enthusiasm quiet to get along in your world, that’s okay, but let it loose in your own mind.

Enthusiasm is practical. It’s the fuel that propels you from a glimmer of an idea to the completed project. If you want to get something done, fill your tank with enthusiasm.

Enthusiasm is attractive. In spite of its reputation for being the opposite of cool, people are drawn to enthusiasm. If your creative journey requires companions, enthusiasm is what will bring them on board. They may not be members of the cool crowd, but coolness is not the best trait in a travel companion – you’re looking for fully engaged people with skills and resilience.

Enthusiasm is fun. Ignore the haters and be smug in your awareness of how much fun they are missing. When you look back on your life, it will be the moments that you embraced with enthusiasm that will shine the brightest.

What are you enthusiastic about today?