We laugh a lot in my family. It’s amazing the things we can turn into something funny. And once one family member laughs at something, we repeat the joke, phrase or saying over and over again. Things we laugh about will become the theme of vacations or new nicknames for family members. It’s one of the many things I love about my family. They say that “laughter is the best medicine,” and I know it must be true. A giggle a day keeps the doldrums away!
Silliness is a House Rule
Some might say we are silly because we laugh at everything. But instead, I think we are the blessed ones. Finding humor in everyday life situations surely adds minutes to our time here on earth. As empty nesters it is even more important to keep the folly flowing.
When we get tickled about something I can feel my mind and my body begin to relax. It is exhilarating to laugh long and hard. My heart rate increases and I have to take a deep breath to calm myself. Stress and anxiety are forgotten for a few minutes and my sense of well-being is strong and secure.
Laughter Builds Relationship
I’ve noticed too that the people I laugh with are people I have very strong relationship with. We love each other deeply and truly look forward to the next time we will be together. We also HATE saying goodbye.
Funny People Change our Mood.
Whether I’m in a mood because of traffic or feeling sad because I miss my children; hearing a joke or the voice of one of my silly sisters, can completely redirect my thoughts. If I’m in one room and hear laughter in the other, I make a beeline into that room to see what’s so funny. That’s the one type of anxiety that I think is good for us. Being anxious to laugh can’t be bad for our health!
I’m also a strong advocate for getting a pet once the nest empties and it’s for this reason. They make you laugh. There is nothing cuter than a kitten sitting on your laptop while you’re trying to write a blog post! Or a puppy that sees her reflection in her water bowl and backs up while barking ferociously at the bowl.
So, a giggle a day… is just good for the soul.
Who makes you laugh?