ROCK thru to more levity in the dark seasons of life
ABUNDANT LIVING SERIES
by Lee Havenga | June 13, 2024
I’m in a season of heaviness. Have you ever found yourself in one of those times where life feels like a series of non-stop, energy-draining events? Maybe you’re feeling the weight right now, too. It doesn’t have to be big, life-altering moments; even a combination of smaller, emotionally taxing situations can take a toll. In such times, it’s easy to forget to laugh. Laughter can become a distant memory, whether it’s the stress of a demanding job, worries over a loved one’s health, or the relentless daily grind. But laughter is essential for our well-being, especially during tough times.
In this Abundant Living Series article, we’ll leverage the ROCK thru principles to bring levity back to even the darkest seasons of life.
“A day without laughter is a day that is wasted.”
— Charlie Chaplin
RESPECT
Apply it
You are valuable unconditionally. Going through a difficult season doesn’t mean you can’t laugh. Laughing doesn’t diminish the seriousness of your issues; it signifies hope. You are a multifaceted being, capable of experiencing complex emotions simultaneously. It’s perfectly okay to step away from the pain and heartache for a moment of laughter. Remember, laughter amidst the pain doesn’t negate your suffering. As Norman Cousins highlights in his book Anatomy of an Illness, laughter can be a powerful tool for healing and recovery, illustrating that even in the face of serious illness, laughter can provide significant relief and improve our overall well-being.
OWNERSHIP
Apply it
Awareness: Take a moment to think about the last time you laughed. I mean the belly-jiggling, sometimes even snorting laughs. When was it? What were you doing? Who were you with?
Acceptance: If it’s been a while, accept it with the truth and without excuses. Acknowledge that life has been heavy and that you have not been able to laugh as much.
Action: Take action to bring more laughter into your life. Here are 21 actionable ways to do just that. Choose one and get laughing!
- Watch a Comedy Show or Movie: Choose something you know will make you laugh out loud.
- Spend Time with Funny Friends: Surround yourself with people who make you laugh.
- Read a Funny Book or Comic: Find something light-hearted and humorous.
- Attend a Live Comedy Show: Experience the energy of live laughter.
- Play with a Pet: Pets often do the funniest things.
- Try Laughter Yoga: This combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing. (It’s a real thing…Google it!)
- Recall Funny Memories: Share funny stories from your past with friends or family.
- Follow Comedians on Social Media: Get your daily dose of humor.
- Make Silly Faces in the Mirror: It sounds ridiculous but it works!
- Dance Goofily: Let loose and dance like no one is watching.
- Play Fun Games: Games like charades or Pictionary can induce a lot of laughter.
- Listen to a Comedy Podcast: There are plenty of hilarious podcasts available.
- Watch Stand-Up Specials: Netflix and other platforms have a great selection.
- Create a Humor Board: Pin up funny quotes and pictures.
- Be Playful with Kids: Children’s laughter is infectious.
- Go to a Karaoke Night: Singing off-key can be hilariously fun.
- Host a Game Night: Invite friends over for board games or card games.
- Watch Animal Videos: Cute and funny animal videos can brighten your day. (But don’t get sucked into social media doom scrolling.)
- Attend a Funny Play or Musical: Live performances often have great humor.
- Read a Joke-of-the-Day: Start each day with a new joke.
- Try Tongue Twisters: A great way to learn not to take yourself so seriously.
CONNECTION
Apply it
Make connections with yourself and with others to laugh. Share your funny experiences, tell jokes, and create moments of joy with those around you. Laughter is a powerful way to bond with others and build stronger relationships.
KINDNESS
Apply it
The ROCK thru definition of Kindness is generous consideration through action. We all need bouts of laughter. Studies show that laughter can boost your immune system, relieve stress, and improve your mood. Be kind to yourself by allowing yourself to laugh and seek it out. Be intentional in your efforts. You can also be a deliberate source of laughter and joy for others. Share the gift of laughter and create a ripple effect of positivity.
Embracing laughter is a powerful way to navigate life’s challenges and enhance your overall well-being. By integrating one or two of these giggle-inducing activities into your daily routine, you can ROCK thru with more laughter, lightening your load and enriching your life with positivity and connection.
XO ~ Lee
Source:
Cousins, Norman. Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient: Reflections on Healing and Regeneration. Twentieth Anniversary Edition. W.W. Norton & Company, 2005.
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