Nobody died laughing did they?
How do we quantify happiness? Is it the external world that provides us with experiences to make us happy, or is it an internal way of being? Is to be happy the choice we make as we go about our daily lives? Do you see the good in everything, including the bad experiences?
Humour is a prelude to faith, and laughter is the beginning of prayer. Reinhold Niebuhr
Some days we indeed feel sad, sometimes for no reason. I choose to see sadness as a positive experience. I know that my tears are my inner waters cleansing and washing away all that needs to heal and leave.
I have not seen anyone dying of laughter, but I know millions who are dying because they are not laughing. — Dr. Madan Kataria
Laughing when I shouldn’t
Things that get me into trouble; I have never regretted laughing uncontrollably.
I remember my school days well; the headmistress would be announcing something serious; someone would look at me then I would catch their glance, knowing they were thinking the same.
Next, your stomach aches so much because you can’t stop laughing. The teacher would reprimand us, but we still couldn't stop our uncontrollable laughter.
When I started dating my husband, he booked tickets to see Frankenstein at the theatre. I wondered if he was a bit of a serious theatergoer type and went along as his date.
In the very grave opening scene, a cast member used a toy dog prop instead of the wolf it was supposed to be. I was gone, really gone, and could not stop laughing to the point that the people behind and in front were getting annoyed. My now husband stayed silent throughout. I thought that he would never date me again after that night. To my relief, he had been trying to contain his laughter too.
He who binds to himself a joy does the winged life destroy, But he who kisses the joy as it flies lives in eternity’s sunrise. William Blake
Tips
- Recall a time when you were laughing uncontrollably, notice how you feel in your body and facial expressions as you remember.
- Think of something in your minds eye that brings you joy. Note how you instantly feel happier.
- Plan something in each day that supports your wellbeing. It can be as simple as enjoying and savouring a cup of coffee. Feel and give gratitude as you enjoy.
The photo below is of my daughter and I.
We treated ourselves to a night in a spa hotel with face masks and a hair conditioning treatment. We laughed so much at how ridiculous we looked.
I have written a little poem list of all the things that come to mind when I think of happiness.
A golden meadow,
Fresh daisies on the grass,
A basket of flowers,
Smell of a rose,
Bumble bee lands on my nose.
Frothy cappuccino,
In a sunny square,
Bustling markets are a pleasure,
To just peruse at your leisure
Fresh lemon cake with icing on top,
Hot fudge sauce, vanilla ice cream,
Dutch cheese is a dream
Babies’ laughter,
Their love of nonsense,
Little feet in the sand,
My dogs wet kiss,
Is rather bliss
Foraging mushrooms,
Cooking from nature,
The smell of bonfire,
Autumn leaves to throw in the air.
A candlelit dinner,
Decent wine .
Crunchy toast in bed first thing,
Fresh sheets brush toes,
The love of my husband entwined,
Watching my children grow to adults,
The warmth of home,
Love within.
The feel of the water strokes my skin,
drying off in the sun,
Nodding off.
The smell of pine is divine,
Running the forest.
Fairy lights on the porch,
Gazing at stars in wonder
The patter of rain on the roof,
The sound of the birds,
Morning breaks.
The hare who sits outside my door,
deer visit the garden in wonder,
The highland cows in the field next door,
Stroking big noses,
Gaining trust.
So much happiness I am grateful for,
Gratitude is attitude that’s for sure.
