Laughter Is The Best Medicine

Living our best life is not about the measurables (what we look like, what’s in our bank account, or how we are “doing” in our careers). Living our best life is about how we feel. When I’m “living my best life”, I’ve got a pep, a confidence, an empowered energy, a vibe that says, “Come on life, let’s do this!” Yes, please. More of that feeling in my life!

Truth is, I haven’t been feeling a whole lot of pep as of late. We all have times in our lives - heck, as women, we have times every month - where we function at a lower energy than we desire. It is ok to feel down or low energy, and it is good for us when we can accept it without judgment. My current low is brought on by a slew of circumstances both worldwide and personal. So often, our external circumstances have a funny way of dictating how we are feeling. While I’m giving myself grace, I’m also ready to take ownership of my energy and take inspired, purposeful actions to elevate my vibe.

In last week’s email, I invited us to imagine that we are five years in the future in a dream location doing dreamy, meaningful work. The purpose is to evoke the feeling that imagination can do so powerfully for us and feel the feelings we will experience on that trip - now. Purposeful imagining about our future selves and the life we want to create will put us into an elevated energy state. It isn’t about being so super clear on the vision, as much as it is about feeling what you will feel in your future-self life.

This week, I’m inviting all of us to laugh and then spread the joy. It isn’t just a saying. Scientists teach us that laughter truly is the best medicine.*

First, think back to a time in your life when you laughed so hard you cried or fell over because your side hurt. Really get into that memory. How do you feel just thinking about it?

Below are three videos that are less than 5 minutes each. I dare you not to laugh! I have seen all of these numerous times, and I laughed out loud again when I re-watched them, so don’t let your sneaky thoughts talk you out of a chance to laugh!

Laughing Tram Man (1min.46sec)

Chewbacca Lady

One of my all-time favorite comedy bits:
DOORBELL | 'What's Wrong With People?' Special - YouTube

*Here’s the article I referenced above! Laughter is The Best Medicine
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm

After all that laughter, how do you feel? I feel so much better! Lighter and filled with joy!

The next step is to reach out to a friend or a loved one and invite them into laughter. Send them a funny video, remind them of that time you two died laughing. We feel joy when we connect with others and spread joy.

Listen, I hold space for us humans, and so, so, so many of us are navigating heavy feelings, facing seemingly insurmountable situations, and just trying to get through our daily lives. Is there all kinds of coaching around this that will help us not feel this way? Umm, absolutely. And right now, I’m not going to bypass the truth. While it feels like heavy lifting to get back to our best lives, the truth is we can do it with intention, like actively seeking laughter and with each other. This is not a time to go it alone.

With love and laughter and a dose of me too,