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When CHEESE gets its picture taken, what does it
say?.
~ George Carlin ~
Joy
is Contagious by Leslie Karen Sann, MA, LCPC
I'm sitting in a circle of family as we gather to
share a meal and an afternoon of visiting. My grandbaby, Owen, is amongst
us. His mother is kissing his neck making funny noises until he laughs
with delight. In the next instant the room of adults is also laughing. Not
only are we laughing, we are waiting for his next giggle. More happiness.
His happiness and delight trigger our joy. And we want more. And more. Joy
is contagious.
 The entire visit was filled with laughter and
smiles. I found the afternoon to be deeply nourishing. When we spend time
around high-energy, optimistic, fun and funny people we tend to feel
better. It's hard to stay bummed out when everyone around you is laughing.
Part of you is going to want to know, "What's so funny, and how can I
get some?"
This is a clue to greater happiness in life. When
you want to feel better, seek out positive, uplifting, fun and funny
people. Not to drain their energy by calling their attention to why you're
not happy, but instead, to simply enjoy their company and let their good
mood infect you. If you can't find positive, fun, playful folks, rent a
fun movie, watch a comedian who invariably makes you laugh.
Laughter loosens up our minds, allowing us to be
more creative and play around with ideas. Amusement, play, humor and other
positive feelings helps us think more flexibly and try more novel
alternatives when solving problems.
Quit bumming yourself out by focusing on what's not
working, or what is missing. Instead, realize joy is contagious. Go out
and catch some. And then pass it along.
Might as Well Enjoy the Journey .
. .
. . . Just for Fun Exercise:
When tense, stop what you are doing and smile as
widely as you can. Repeat several times.
- Why not try it now?
- You could stop reading and smile for a count of
ten.
- Repeat once or twice more until you feel more
relaxed.
- Notice how you feel when you smile.
- Now frown. How do you feel?
- Now relax your face.
- What did you notice? Perhaps you noticed it felt
better to smile than not to?
Suggestion: Go to the mirror and smile twice an
hour. What you see is what you get. Why not get yourself some smiles and
laughter?
Watch Happiness Spread: Dancing
with Joy
Readers Share Wins:
I'm off to see the world! I want to thank you and
let you know you were essential to making my dream come true. I learned a
few very important things from you:?
- don't be afraid to dream?
- be clear as to what I want?
- plan how to make it happen?
- ask for support (my company is paying for half
the trip!)?
- take action!
Thanks again. I'll send a postcard." ~ Maria
Jones ~
Victim or Victorious, V10,
#14: Loved your eZine tip! I will let you know how my story ends.
I like to call it 'punctuation', for example, I can punctuate a paragraph
differently and change the whole essence of the story! ~ Nicole Howe ~
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