Did you know that there is a whole psychology developed around joy, that there is a thing called “the psychology of joy”? In it, we are given strategies that promote joy, reasons for lack of joy and the like. Bottom line, there is a large and credible stack of evidence that joy and laughter is vital for a healthy human’s being.

It really doesn’t take any effort to live in these days of “dust to ashes, mormid-mindedness”. Just pay attention to the news, world & local events or listen closely to people’s conversations. But here, today that is not our goal. I’d like to share with you tips that I have found to help me find joy and laughter in my days.

That great philosopher (and guitarist), Carlos Santana once said,

“If you carry joy in your heart, you can heal any moment.”

So, if you’re wanting to add more joy & laughter to your life, try there proven tips:

L. – little kids

Find little kids and address them, talk to them, listen to them and you will LAUGH. I promise!

A. – adults

Adults who take themselves too seriously are incredibly funny humans to watch. And often, in them, we see ourselves, which is even funnier. Go ahead and laugh at them.

U. – U/YOU

You are hilarious, look closely, shake your head in disbelief at what you just did and then laugh at yourself.

G. – genuine

Be genuine in your laughter; not that stuffy, proper and condescending garden-party fake laughter. And while you’re being genuine, find those times of GUT WRENCHING laughter. You know the kind, when tears fill your eyes and roll down your cheeks, when your sides hurt and you are out of breath…

H. – no hurry

Don’t be in a hurry everywhere you go. Slow down. Our hurriedness hurls us right past those moments that will brighten up our days and at very least bring a smile to our face, if not an outloud laugh through our mouth.

We may not be able to fill our days with laughter, but we can do better to find those times and fully utilize them. Plus, we can choose to fill our days with joy, regardless of the grey clouds, firestorms, broken promises or hopeless situations. Joy does come to those who look for it and choose to pursue it instead of being negative all the time.

” The walls we build around us to keep sadness out also keeps out the joy.”

Jim Rohn

Even brief and infrequent moments of joy have power in our lives. And as you know laughter IS the best medicine. When was the last time you had a deep belly laugh, with tears running down your cheeks? I had one just a few days ago, when my friend shared this video with me. Click it on, let it do it’s therapy on you, too.

I hope that you have family and or friends who will help you to laugh and find joy. They are the best! Even if they pull pranks on you… what fun!!!

Try out these tips, and I bet your days will be brighter and your laughter louder.

Cheers to you,

Debbie