Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Laughter...

Thanks to Jacqueline Wales, author of The Fearless Factor, for this guest post...
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How often do you laugh?

Did you know that children laugh over two hundred times a day?

Adults laugh perhaps six or seven. Some don’t ever laugh. That’s the saddest thing of all.

Laughter is a gift. It is the cleansing of the soul, a time to let your body feel like it’s on vacation. When was the last time you had a good belly laugh. It’s one of life’s greatest exercise routines. They have have laughter clubs that began in India and have spread around the world. Being able to laugh at the ridiculousness of life has been one of the greatest blessings of my life.

Expressing your physical self carelessly, making silly jokes or silly observations is liberating. So why do people fear expressing themselves in this way?

Mostly because they will be viewed as stupid and will feel ashamed or humiliated. Sow many people hold themselves back because they are afraid of being judged the wrong way.

It drives my daughters made when I behave in a silly fashion. Of course, they don’t call it silly, they just think it’s plain old stupid and embarrassing, even if no else is in the room.

I have learned to love having fun, making fun, and laughing like crazy. I’m known for laughing at my own jokes, saying something really stupid at the dinner table and laughing until I cry while everyone else gets in on the act by watching me having a meltdown and having their own laughs at my expense.

So when was the last time you had a good belly laugh? Engage your kids in your laughter and see what happens. Create amazing memories with them by laughing until you cry.

About Jacqueline Wales -

Jacqueline Wales is known the world over as The Black Belt Millionaire. Her unique programs have helped women around the globe develop strong personal success, confident communication and clear visions of their goals. She is the author of five books including The Fearless Factor, available at http://www.thefearlessfactorbook.com.

Check out The Fearless Factor for information and inspiration on Personal Development, Women, Health Care, Mental Health, Career Transitions, Public Speaking, Confidence Building, Emotional Health, Peak Performance, Achievement, Relationship Building, and Self-Esteem.

4 comments:

Nikki Leigh said...

I really love this post :) It is so good to laugh and I totally agree with Jacqueline's comments. Many times throughout the day I'll get an email or IM from a friend telling me something funny and it lessens the stress level to just laugh out loud. I also make it a point to contact close friends or family that I know are having a tough time to make them laugh at least once a day - there are a number of folks that I tell them its my mission to make them laugh - even if only for a minute. I also love being around or talking to people who make me laugh. Its a free and very beneficial gift we can give to others and in turn, we benefit too :) Great info, thank you for sharing.

Nikki Leigh

grammy said...

Laughing is great medicine. It helps to have little ones around... always good for a laugh.

ShEiLa said...

Jane aka Esme's Mommy if you and Miss Esme want a laugh go check out my fb post... that outta get you a laugh or two for today... I know it did for me and my hubby.

ToOdLeS.

ps. I need to check out this book too.

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

I was complaining the other day that I've forgotten how to laugh. I'm hoping it's a temporary thing; I miss it.