A laugh a day improves everything
Corrie Lynne Player
Columnist
11-17-2016
For the last little while, I’ve been talking about facing challenges, overcoming sorrow and putting yourself into God’s hands.
This month, I’d like to shift gears a bit and share a few laughs with you.
Behavioral science has proved that we all need to laugh and smile as much as possible, no matter whether life is a bit rocky or you’re just cruising along without much trouble. Laughing improves muscle tone and improves your mood.
Trust me, one of these days you’ll find yourself sideswiped by a problem you never saw coming. So cut this column out and tape it on your fridge for future reference.
I’ve collected this particular set of chuckles over the past decades from conversations with friends and reading whatever I can get my hands on. I even watched part of a popular TV program that went on and on about how mid-life is a great time for women.
I turned it off because hot flashes and mood swings aren’t pleasant, let alone humorous. I do admit, however, that laughing about unpleasant realities is a whole lot better than whining. Whether you are pushing 40, 50, 60, 70 (or maybe even just pushing your luck), you’ll probably relate to the following thoughts.
“Mid-life is when the growth of hair on our legs slows down. This gives us plenty of time to care for our newly acquired mustache.
“In mid-life, we don’t have upper arms, we have wingspans. We are no longer women in sleeveless shirts; we are flying squirrels in drag.
“Mid-life is when you can stand naked in front of a mirror and see your rear without turning around.
“Mid-life brings wisdom to know that life throws us curves and we’re sitting on our biggest ones.
“Mid-life is when you look at your know-it-all, earbud wearing, texting teenager and think: “For this, I have stretch marks?”
“In mid-life, your memory starts to go. In fact, the only thing you seem to be able to retain is water.
“Mid-life means that the body you toned by faithfully exercising and counting calories has given you Legs By Rand McNally—more red and blue lines than an accurately scaled map of Wisconsin.
“Mid-life means that you become more reflective . . . You start pondering the “big” questions: What is life? Why am I here? How much Healthy Choice ice cream can I eat before it’s no longer a healthy choice?
But mid-life also brings with it an appreciation for what’s important.
We realize that breasts sag, hips expand and chins double, but our loved ones make the journey worthwhile.
Seriously, would any of you trade the knowledge that you have now, for the body you had way back when? Maybe our bodies simply have to expand to hold all the wisdom and love we’ve acquired. That’s my point of view, any way.
I prefer President Monson’s advice to “Find joy in the journey.” Joy comes from focusing on the good stuff and ignoring anything that doesn’t actually need immediate medical attention.
Email me at heavenhelpusbeourbest@gmail.com and share your humorous thoughts about these sunset years. After all, we “seasoned” elders owe the world as much laughter and good thoughts as possible.
