Monday Musings – When Laughter is Your Go To Self-Care

 

Have you ever heard the statement, “You can’t pour from an empty cup?” What is your understanding of that statement? For me it means that you take care of yourself before you can help others (I read that somewhere). After you read this post, I want you to leap into action and do something for yourself, and don’t talk yourself out of it.

This week I’m pouring back into my cup through comedy. The root of my passion for comedy is three-fold:

1.      I like to write, and I like humor.

2.      Hearing laughter during a comedy performance is exhilarating.

3.     There is joy in knowing others are having a good time engaging in laughter and taking a break from life’s daily stressors.

As I write this blog post, I am preparing for upcoming shows this week. Every comedian prepares their set differently. My process begins with collecting ideas. When I observe something that I find funny, I write it down or snap a picture. It could be a phrase I overhear, or a sign posted somewhere that makes no sense.

One day my son and I were in different areas of the house, I yelled for him to do something for me. The thing is I called him by his brother’s name instead of his name. He then says, “Do I need to wear a name tag?”

I rolled my eyes and said, “that’s why you end up in my comedy sets.”

I mentioned in a previous post that my son and I were taking a comedy class together. Well, that class has ended and it’s time for our class showcase. If you’re in the area, stop by and catch a few laughs. I’ll share a snippet of what I plan to talk about.

The premise (main topic) of my set is homeownership, more specifically, the frustrating things that happen related to a homeowner’s association. This is new material, so I’ll test it out at an open mic tonight before I perform at the class showcase.

This is the first set in a while that I haven’t included some antic about my son. I can’t say the same about him. He talks a little about homeownership too, but I’m the punchline to his joke.

My son hasn’t said that he plans to become a comedian, but he’s had fun testing out his comedic side on stage. I, on the other hand, plan to continue to spread the joy of laughter and uncover humor in everyday situations.

Laughter is at the top of my list for things to include in my self-care. Refuel, reenergize and refill your cup. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of you.

Laugh long, laugh hard, and laugh often.

 

 

 

Wordless Wednesday - Funny Church Jokes

 

YouTube Video Credit: The Funniest Church Jokes - Dry Bar Comedy

Monday Musings – Loads of Trouble: A Laundromat Adventure Gone Wrong

 

The best laid plans sometimes go awry…then you pivot. My peaceful Saturday was hijacked by a host of unplanned activities. My pre-planned agenda included hanging around the house – working on a writing project, decluttering an area I’ve been putting off, then leaving the house for outdoor adventures. 

At some point during the day, I knew I wanted to go to the laundromat to wash the blanket I keep across the foot of my bed. It’s one of those thick fleece blankets that keep you warm when your body settles into the coolness of fresh bed sheets.

I planned ahead and placed the blanket in the trunk the night before, so I wouldn’t forget it when I went out to run errands. Before the birds updated their morning playlist, I was up for my morning coffee and meditation. This was followed by my symphony of tasks that included – starting the dishwasher, a load of laundry, working on comedy. All by 8am on a Saturday.

I felt like a Superhero. I called a friend and said, “Hey, what time is that Walk for a Cure? I might be able to make it after all.”

“It’s at 9.”

“I’ll see you there.”

It would take less than 15 minutes to drive to the event location. A 9 am start time would give me time to participate in the walk then get to the bank before they closed at noon. I needed quarters for the laundromat.

As the best laid plans go, there was an interruption; the 5K walk didn’t start until 10am. It was all the pre activities that began at 9. All was not lost, I visited the vendors, got my face painted, got my body moving with the warmup stretches. However, I did have to leave before the walk ended, in order to make it to the bank on time.

My plotted-out plan was redirected because I remembered that I wanted to go by Sam’ Club for a couple cases of water and Skinny Pop popcorn. Sam’s Club was ten minutes from the event location, so I stopped by there before dashing across town to the bank.

Since I had time to spare, I stopped by the laundromat on the way to the bank, to see how much it would cost to wash the comforter. The laundromat was only a couple of miles from the bank.

Proud that I had accomplished this just before noon, I returned to the laundromat ready to wash. I carried the oversized bundle in my arms and stuffed it into one of the front load washers. It’s been a while since I visited the laundromat, so I read the directions.

Insert clothes.

Twist handle.

Add detergent…

I stood like a deer in headlights…I had no detergent.

Although it would have only taken me 10 minutes to go home and retrieve my detergent, I didn’t want to. I had been home once to drop off the cases of water and a couple of unplanned refrigerated items I’d purchased.

I left the comforter in the washer, got back in my car and drove up the street to Kroger (across from the bank). I purchased the smallest container of laundry detergent that I could find. In less than fifteen minutes, I was back at the laundromat, adding detergent, and feeding quarters to the washer like a slot machine.

My advice (although you didn’t ask), don’t overload your schedule. However, if your best laid plans go awry…go with the flow.