Lighten up!

Today is a day to run amok at work and at school. It's Loosen Up, Lighten Day! A day to crack jokes and send funny emails. Do what you must to spread the word. Laughter has long been known to brighten a person's day and help improve their general well being. Sadly I find it is very underused these days. I think with the dark streak that runs through my mind that if I didn't know how to laugh I'd likely be looking for a bridge to leap from, or possibly a bell tower to hide in with my rifle.

People take themselves and their lives far too seriously any more. My favourite phrase spoken by folks when they are caught in mall lineups or traffic is "time is money". Now if you're a doctor or contractor who bills by the hours I have to agree, but most of us work a day to day job where we are unpaid when we leave. The extra 15 minutes spent in the car costs us very little at all. So when you find yourself caught in traffic you should have fun with it. I like to turn the stereo up and sing along in a very animated way. If people turn and stare you can acknowledge them and invite to join in. The look on their face is priceless, although I actually had a lady join in on one hot summer day when the car windows were rolled down and the bumpers on the road were pretty much touching. I had to laugh as it was like something from a tv commercial. Similarly I was caught one day in gridlock when someone started honking their horn at a fellow they didn't realize was broken down. I responded with the old "shave and a haircut" rhythm on my horn. Next think you know everyone was playing songs with their horns. All good fun.

Caught in the mall while some frugal soul counts out $3.48 for their purchase and fumbles for a coupon? Why roll your eyes when you can just take the slow down in stride and enjoy the fact that while you are stood in line you aren't rushing around like a fool to the next task. Maybe you're in a store where the management decided that one clerk could adequately serve the 35 shoppers that come in. There's nothing you can do to alleviate the situation and you are faced with only two actual choices which are stand around and wait your turn or take off and come back again later. Since it's unlikely that the management will hire new additional staff before your next visit you should probably choose option a, or option b followed by option A again later when you've got the time to spare. Shouting at the clerk and complaining loudly about the store only makes you look like a tool. More entertaining still is to head to the nearest source of music and singing along, or dancing with the music. If in a grocery store you can bowl with canned goods.

The key here is to remember to smile, or for many first learn how to smile and then apply that knowledge. You'll be surprised how much easier your day goes when you learn to just grin and bear it.

If you're going Christmas shopping (and I do this whether now or closer to the actual day)I recommend loading yourself with candy canes and wearing a Santa hat. When you get to the cashier then offer them a candy cane and a smile. Most of them are so thrown off at first but then they will generally open up with a smile of their own that isn't just the usual retail reflex. A genuine smile that you can see right away. So grab some pretzels and brace yourself for the day! If it helps then use my theory on life

You may as well laugh at life since it's already laughing at you


These should get you started;