Have you ever thought that you can keep it together by cracking up: It's hard to be irritated, worried or glum when you're having a chuckle. And gentle humour often helps defuse a tense situation.

Check out these tips: 

• Pick up some joke books or humorous essays at a bookstore or library. Keep a few handy for a quick pick-me-up.
• Put together a collection of sayings or photos that make you smile, and stick them someplace visible. Change them occasionally, or you'll likely stop noticing them.
• Keep a humour tape in the car and steer clear of traffic frustration.
• Watch or listen to comedy via video, podcast or website. Or get a laugh the old-fashioned way—through the comics section. 
• Try to laugh at some of the hassles in your life if you can. Finding what's a bit absurd or amusing in a challenging situation just might offer relief.

Let's have some fun:

• Free up some time. Can you afford to scratch something off your calendar? Is there anyone you can ask to help lighten your load? Set aside a time, and keep it like it was a doctor's appointment.
• Do something you loved to do as a kid. Run through the sprinklers, hang from the monkey bars, make a mess with finger paints.
• Do something you've always wanted to do. Bake a soufflé, build a tree house, learn to knit. If you're not sure how, take a class or look for a local group dedicated to the activity.
• Pursue a creative interest. Writing, singing or making music all have therapeutic effects. Or just turn on a song you love: Brain images show that music can trigger feel-good hormones.
• Do it with someone you love. Get an extra boost from your leisure by sharing it. Good times build relationships, and good relationships are key to our happiness.

And next week, even more tips for producing more joy in your life.......

I'm picking up the guitar again, after a too long hiatus. More music = more joy for me.

What brings you joy, fills your heart with fun?

Support you dear readers, Leisa

08. Finally discover who you are meant to be!

Give at least one step a try, you never know how much a small step can ripple through your life with the most positive of effects!

Support ya,

Leisa

I've been a longtime fan of Andrew Solomon, author of "The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression," which won the 2001 National Book Award and was a finalist for the 2002 Pulitzer Prize. When I reach a low place, it is immensely helpful for me to go back and read the words of writers who have lived through the tumultuous storm and emerged stronger and wiser.

As I was researching something else the other day, I came across Solomon's interview with PBS, in the US, and I soaked in his responses. I let myself process them the entire day, because they go against the current of New-Age advice I'm bombarded with on a daily basis: If you can't change your biochemistry with your thoughts, then you are one weak, pathetic chick.

You can find the full interview by clicking here. Maybe you will find a hero in Andrew too.

Much support,

Leisa



10 Small Changes That Make a Big Difference

Change doesn't have to ride in on a major wave, cleansing and shaking your house to it's very foundations. Sometimes the biggest and best changes are soft spoken as a spring breeze. Here's a few suggesstions for you today:

10. Change someone else's life with just $5 ***** Such a small amount, a posh double half, soy latte you can go without, that can literally change someone's life- forever!

February 19, 2010