Gratitude..Let There Be Laughter

It's been an interesting month..the ups, and some pretty big downs, just keep coming.  What to do? Well, I must admit, there were times when I literally curled up in a ball and wallowed. I didn't stay there for long because, to be honest, that just feels like dog doo doo!

There were other times when I drove across town to my friend's house- to have company, an ear to listen and just so as not to be alone.  Sometimes there was laughter, the kind of laughs that come over nothing. The laughter would come sometimes at the most inappropriate times, which of course makes it all that much better. But the laughter was soothing..It brought me out of the low places.

Other times it would be a series of texts from a friend far away..mostly poking fun and joking. Sometimes these texts had me laughing so hard, sitting all alone, that I couldn't breathe. Is there anything better than that laughter that simply wont stop? It cleanses and soothes and makes everything all better, even if for just that moment.

With this laughter, whether it was in person or through the words on my phone, I felt everything WAS getting better. I have an interesting habit of walking in the world and seeing humor in almost any situation.  Yet what I wasn't doing was laughing at my own situation...I was taking my own self way too seriously. It wasn't just about lightening up. It was about forgetting to see the fun and the humor in whatever life throws in my path.

I do not usually watch sitcoms..just not my thing. But one night I decided to give it a try..and it worked. The sitcom was so ridiculously stupid and silly that I found myself laughing out loud..and it felt good! Combine that with my phone pinging with crazy texts and I literally couldn't stop laughing.  For a time I didn't have a care in the world.

So, when life throws us curveballs, which it is bound to do, seek out the laughter wherever you can. Let the people around you know that you need it..trust me, there is always someone who is ready to provide the laughs. Laughter is like no other balm..it gives perspective and if someone is happy to provide the laughs to lift you up-trust me, you've got a great friend!


This post is dedicated to Cindy, Carol & Marissa-always ready to see how hard they can get me to laugh.