As the two friends sat together sipping their hot ginger tea, there was a period of silence. Each of them individually thought about what they had endured during their friendship. Both in the quiet moments thought about their triumphs, unspeakable joy moments, and even their funniest moments shared together. They both began to laugh uncontrollably!! They laughed so loudly people near them in the café began to stare, some even began to laugh with them. The friends just couldn’t stop laughing! Both friends realized life had taken them on a roller coaster at times but they were so overjoyed they had been on the ride together, and knew so much more was in store for them. Now getting them to calm down & stop laughing...……..was a different story :).
Laughter is contagious, or this is sure how it seems in the scenario above. I have often been told laughter is the best medicine and have found this to be true. Laughter is something you can never get enough of. When is the last time you just laughed so hard you were doubled over, and crying from sheer joy? So what does laughter truly do for your health? In an article by the Help Guide entitled, Laughter is the Best Medicine, it clearly shares that Laughter builds your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. Laughter helps to bring your mind and body back into balance. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you focused, grounded, and alert. It also helps you release anger and forgive sooner.
I know, many of you say I work so hard, I may have to schedule to simply take time to laugh. I hear you. Life is definitely busy. Try to incorporate laughter in your day whether with family, friends, co-workers, or simply watching a funny movie. Yes, somethings are serious, and call for you to focus, and need your attention. Yet there will be times in your day when you can laugh, relax, and rejuvenate even if you have to create those precious moments. You are too important not to make time to find joy and laughter even in the smallest areas of your life.
My pastor shared in a sermon yesterday, the importance of surrounding yourself with those who build you, support you, and are positive. I took it a step farther, and interpreted it as the need to surround yourself with those who add to your life. Simply take an inventory of those close relationships in your life. Do they add to your life? Do they build you? Do they speak life-giving, positive words to you? Oh, we can forget this one……..do you laugh and feel more enriched in their presence?
So I challenge, this week to find moments to just unwind, relax, and Laugh!! Laugh even when things don’t seem to be going exactly how you had planned. When things don’t go as you plan, regroup, evaluate your original plan, make adjustments as needed, and understand you can rise even in the mist “things not going right or how you planned”.
Your goal this week………..Laugh, laugh, & laugh some more
It’s the best medicine
Afterall you work hard, YOU deserve it!!
Yes, put some good ole hearty LAUGHTER on your to do list!!
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