Happy Wednesday, TSJ Peeps!
I try each week to be honest with you and share an everyday type story that may have a bigger lesson or tidbit of wisdom buried beneath all of my often inadequate words. And I rely on Solomon our wisdom wizard, as you faithful readers know. Solomon also represents light-heartedness for me.
And today, he was firm. His message is “Laugh. Laugh openly, laugh abundantly and see what happens.”
What if there is nothing funny? Solomon answers, “Just look for it and it will happen.” Humph. Maybe.
It took awhile, but Solomon found a way to make me laugh.
Truthfully, this week I have been seriously thinking about sharing some lessons I am learning in life right now. That means being open and vulnerable. It means truly joining you on the journey of ups and downs, on self-improvement and failures. It means openly admitting that no matter how perfect a person’s life seems to be on the outside, one never knows what we each struggle with deep in our minds and hearts. And I have written several blog letters to you in my head. None of which I can remember this morning. Solomon says, “That is good.”
I protest, “People want something substantial. And all you can say is, ‘ Tell them to laugh?’ ”
You see, today I have had what is commonly called “writer’s block.” All of my “highly substantial” or apparently significant ideas I had evaporated!
And I have done an excellent job of putting off facing the empty screen to tell you the truth of what I have done instead.
I have been enjoying each moment this morning. You ask, “How is that bad?”
In itself, it is not at all bad. But what about responsibility? And what about the fact that most of our peeps are at work and they cannot avoid their responsibilities?
Still, I did numerous joyous things that somehow were also responsible. I have seen people in a relaxed way. I walked a mile or so for coffee with John before his work took him into a long day and we had meaningful, even life enriching discussions. I have read my meditation material. I have caught up on emails. I even stopped at a store today to buy a pair of jeans. (Okay, that was not all that responsible.)
In this case, my writing block is exactly what Solomon directed. “Give your serious thinking a rest. Remember God delights in you and has given peeps the gift of laughter and joy. All you have to do is see its truth, accept it as a gift, and watch the magic.”
And,” Solomon added, “Ms. Margie, you have been too introspective and serious the last couple of days. It does not help you or anyone else when you take life or yourself too seriously.”
Gulp! I know that to be true.
Moods, thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and our states of mind are contagious. And what seems unpleasant or disagreeable one moment can be transformed in another. How? All it takes is a good laugh. Alone or with someone. Seriously? Is that all it takes? Well, hearty laughter is seriously a game changer – or at least a mood changer.
We have talked about this here at TSJ before. But apparently I needed the reminder.
You cannot laugh and be angry or grumpy or bitter or depressed or discouraged at exactly the same moment. It is biochemically impossible. Laughter sets in motion a cascade of different brain chemicals that negate or at least neutralize negative emotions. Admittedly, it can be short-lived but oh the joy of catching the pleasure chemicals before they leave you!
Yes, laughter itself is contagious. Very contagious. And observe how it can shift the energy in a serious meeting or with a child or spouse who is in a bad mood. Or more importantly, notice how it changes you.
Earlier, as I sat to write a Wednesday Wisdom I did something I rarely do. Very rarely. So it feels divinely guided. I checked my son’s Face Book page. He was writing about all the annoying phone calls he gets even though he has done the “do not call” list. After several people responded, he posted a humorous video.
There I sat all alone and I literally howled with laughter. And I texted him a thank you. His frustration was all of ours, but the video he posted was so funny it was worth his frustration. Solomon says good things come out of unpleasant things – especially if laughter is present.
My mood had already shifted from Solomon’s warning that we are meant to laugh. But this really transformed my mood! It changed my thought forms. (Thoughts are form).
I looked out the window saw a Time Warner truck at my neighbor’s house. I was in such a good inner space, I boldly walked out to ask for advice. I have had a TV problem for a couple of weeks and I thought he might steer me in the right direction for help.
As it turned out, he had extra time and came in to fix not only that problem, but another cable one! I was so thankful. Had it been yesterday when I was deep into figuring life out (from my view) I know I would not have wandered out and asked for help.
Laughter lifted my spirit. It was a gift of delight. And Solomon keeps reminding us that we are a delight to God and when we laugh, the Light within turns on. It gives us a needed break from the troubles we face. Laughter frees one’s spirit to be creative and purposeful with joy.
In joy…
Margie, Solomon, SJ and Sigmund
