The Discipline of Laughter – 4 Ways To Develop The Discipline Of Laughter
A day without laughter is a day wasted.
Charlie Chaplin
Life can be challenging. In fact, life can be downright depressing.
We have bills to pay. We have deadlines to hit. We have demands crushing us in from every side. With all this pressure, it sometimes seems as though it would be easier to crawl in a corner and give up.
But we are called to so much more.
Life has so much to offer us if we learn to smile, if we learn to laugh, and if we learn to push ahead with a positive attitude.
I’ve always been known as a pretty serious individual. I admittedly don’t smile enough. I too often have tunnel vision on what I’m trying to accomplish (or what I’m trying to get through). The interesting thing is that I also have a sense of humor. I’d like to think it comes through my Grandpa Stolpe who also had a corny sense of humor.
Humor is a good thing. We all need to laugh.
Developing the discipline of laughter is important to seeing the bright side of every obstacle. It’s important to help us through when we can’t carry on. And it’s good for the soul.
Proverbs 17:22 says:
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
I don’t know what you are going through, but I’m guessing you could use some laughter in your life. Here are some ways to develop the discipline of laughter in your life:
4 Ways To Develop The Discipline Of Laughter
- Enjoy a funny movie or funny television show from time to time. There are so many great comedies out there that will bring a smile to your face. Here are some of my favorites: Grumpier Old Men, Mrs. Doubtfire, Happy Gilmore, Cheers, and Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. What funny movies or television shows make you laugh?
- Attend a stand-up comedy night. I’ve gone to a few of these, and they make me role. One word of caution, some of the comedy can be pretty raunchy, so be careful with which comedy night you decide to attend. I’ve attended a couple of these nights with Michael Jr., Tim Hawkins, and Gabriel Iglesias.
- Hang out with friends who make you laugh. There are friends who drag you down, and there are friends who lift you up. Choose wisely, and make a habit of hanging around with friends who encourage you to laugh.
- Watch other people. People do and say the funniest things. Sit on a bench in the mall. Attend a kids sporting event. Learn to observe what is going on around you. You will learn, and you will laugh.