As I was looking for an interesting and inspiring topic for this newsflash, I came across some notes, scribbled on a piece of paper and slipped between the pages of a book. From the way the notes were written (helter-skelter, upside down, and diagonally) I realized that at the time I wrote them, I was listening to an inspiring program on my car radio. At each red light, I took the opportunity to jot down a word or two with the hope they would jar my memory and help me recall the message of the program, which was having such a profound impact on me. Now, as I review my notes, I wish I had written just a tiny bit more about the subject; nevertheless I want to share what I remember.
The person being interviewed on the radio program was commenting on ways to avoid a debilitating condition called “terminal seriousness.” Life is full of worrisome events taking place around the world and also in our personal lives. If we allow them to take control of our thought process and dwell on the worst outcomes, they will begin to affect our health in a negative way.
We need to take a step back and get a broader perspective. We begin this process by changing our attitude. One way to do that is to “build your humor skills.”
Immerse yourself in humor through friends who make you laugh, watching comedy sitcoms and funny videos, reading joke books or any novel that brings a smile to your face. Medical experts know that laughter relaxes blood vessels and helps to lower blood pressure.
As for me, I find enjoying time with my young grandchildren brings the most spontaneous fun to my life and makes me more playful. Kids say the funniest things and it’s fun to see the world through their eyes.
It’s not only the things they say that make you smile. Sometimes it may be just the cute expression on their faces or their sweet personalities and innocence. Last night while playing monopoly with the family, my 5 year old grandson kept trying to use the bank’s money to buy his properties and would get the most perplexed look on his face trying to comprehend why he couldn’t.
In addition to building your humor skills, “learned optimism” is another way to look at life, lighten your mood and increase resiliency.
One last suggestion: “think non-judgmentally” and develop a “sense of compassion and empathy” for everyone who comes into your life. If you find yourself being super critical of someone, remind yourself, they are probably doing the best they can.
Let me know how you build your humor skills to counteract “terminal seriousness” and please share any other gems of wisdom that bring happiness and peace to your life.
Until next time, I remain your funny valentine!
Mary Ann Wilson
Question: Why do horses make terrible dancers?
Answer: Because they have two left feet!!
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Birthdays are good for you.
Research has shown that the more you have, the longer you live.
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Two crows, sitting on a fence, were watching how fast a jet, with smoke pouring out the back, was going.
First Crow: “Wow, look how fast that guy is going!”
Second Crow: “You’d fly that fast, too, if your tail was on fire!”
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P.S. Please send me any good jokes to add to my joke file!
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