In my family we have a saying "not the year of the bad Christmas". It was something my dad would say each year. After a lovely Christmas he would say, "well, it's not the year of the bad Christmas". Maybe he got it from growing up poor and being very aware that Christmas was not always merry. Anyway, this year, like every year of my life was not the year of the bad Christmas. However it was a challenging Christmas. Last week I wrote about feeling in limbo and dealing with feelings of uncertainty related to some medical tests. Luckily the the limbo ended prior to Christmas however the medical tests did not turn out the way I wanted. So the joy I normally feel at Christmas was flanked by a medical procedure on Christmas Eve morning and more tests the day after.
This is life. Often, the times when we want to be the happiest are also the times when we are faced with unplesant news. Then a decision has to be made. Will we give in and let happiness fade away or will we dig in our heals and hold on tight to the joy we've been chasing? I choose to keep chasing joy. One of the ways I do this is through laughter. Laughter does not make our problems go away but it makes us feel lighter and less weighted down. It gives us a smile and a momentary escape from whatever is robbing us of joy.
When I am seeking laughter I will look for funny movies and sitcoms on TV. I will also follow funny memes online or look up some funny quotes. Here are a few funny quotes I found on brainyquote that put a smile on my face.
"It's a well-known fact that tall people are evil." ~ Kevin Hart
"I've always dreamed of growing up to be Amy Poehler." ~ Amy Poehler
"When I eventually met Mr. Right I had no idea that his first name was Always." ~ Rita Rudner
"Why do they call it rush hour when nothing moves?" ~ Robin William
"Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city." ~ George Burns
"I'm writing a book. I've got the page numbers done." ~ Steven Wright
"I am a marvelous housekeeper. Every time I leave a man I keep his house." ~ Zsa Zsa GaborIs there a place you go to find funy qutoes online? What do you do to keep chasing joy in the face of bad news or dissapointment? Is laughter the best medicine for you?