Wellness Wednesday – The Laughter Project – Final Episode

 

When cousins get together

“A healthy dose of laughter helps shrink challenges…makes them less intimidating and empowering us to overcome them.” By Everydaypower.com

Have you filled a Laughter Jar, created a Humor Journal, or practiced laughing more this month? We are at the final day of The Laughter Project. The challenge was to create more laughter in your life and report here on what you discovered during the week.

Just because our project is ending here, does not mean you have to close the book on healthy laughter. This was just the starting point, go create the next chapter of your journey.

Here’s what laughter means to me:

Laughter is…

·         Being able to take yourself a little less seriously

·         Finding a reason to smile, in spite of less than ideal circumstances

·         My happy place

One final thought, complete the phrase – Laughter is…

“A laugh a day keeps stress at bay” Angela Verges

Join the fun this month at the Pages Promotions Virtual Book Festival. Play along with The Trick or Treat game by collecting virtual candy, win prizes. My candy is the Baby Ruth below; Visit the Pages Promotion Facebook Page for more details and to collect more candy.

Motivational Monday – Inspiration from Observation

 

As I contemplated what to write for today's blog post, I came across one from several years ago. I felt it was worth reposting with a few changes. May you find a sliver of inspiration.

Have you ever overheard bits and pieces of a conversation and thought hmm, that’s interesting. Perhaps you’ve read a word or phrase that you applied to your life. It is those snatches of conversation or words from a good book or article that can provide inspiration.

Here are five words or phrases that stood out to me recently. Think about how these things may relate to you at this moment.

·         Abundance

·         Strength

·         Doors of opportunity

·         Unique moments in your life

·         Imagine the life you want to live

This is how I would tie these phrases together. I am abundantly blessed. God is my strength. I welcome the opening of doors of opportunity. Unique moments in my life occur when I least expect them. These moments have occurred through opportunities others presented to me.

Your challenge today is to ponder the above phrases and words. How can you use these items as springboards for something you’re seeking at this moment?

Have you heard bits of conversation that prompted you to take positive action?

Fun Friday - Laughing for a Cause

 

Do you really needa a reason to laugh? No, I didn't think so. If it will make you feel better to have a reason to laugh, I'll give you one - Support a cause.

Tonight the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorotity is hosting a fundraiser (Zoom event) to support HBCU's (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) scholarship fund. The event is called Jokes and Jams, it wil be an evening of comedy and music.

I;ll be there laughing, dancing, and performing comedy, along with comedian Tony Fant Jr. Join the fun at 8pm (EST). 

Sign up(at Evenrbrite) and laugh for a cause.

Wellness Wednesday – The Laughter Project – What’s So Funny?

 

Photo Credit: Laughter Online University

How is you Laughter Project coming along? Are you collecting funny quotes, discovering humor in unlikely places, or simply finding a reason to smile each day? What things have you found funny lately?

Let me tell you about a couple of observations from my week.

A Shopping Trip

A simple trip to the grocery store brought a little humor to my day. As I pushed my shopping cart through the store, it wasn’t long before I stumbled upon Halloween costumes and rows and rows of Halloween candy. The first thing that popped into my head during this time of a pandemic was…looks like Halloween is not cancelled.

Two steps away from the all the Halloween goodies, was a Green pre-lit artificial Christmas tree. Sooo, do we bake pies or wrap Christmas gifts?

 

Kids Say the Darndest Things

Even when they pass the cute toddler phase and grow into college know it all’s, kids still say the darndest things. I was talking to my college son about my workout regimen and how I am struggling with my weight. He calmy said, “Maybe your metabolism has expired.”

That’s it, the outlook of my last week; the simple things that brought  smile to my face.

We have one more week of The Laughter Project. What will you add to your collection of funny sightings, stories, or other humorous uncovering’s? Go out and start laughing, your health depends on it,

Motivational Monday – Autumn Comforts

 

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”      F. Scott Fitzgerald

Days are shorter, a chill is in the air, and leaves dance from trees in Reds, Yellows and Oranges. Autumn is a season of change, a season of comforts, a time for all things warm and cozy. Your daily rhythm begins to change as activities move from outside to indoors and recipe ideas shift toward warm foods.

How will you take advantage of the comforting things that Autumn brings? Here are a few ideas:

1.      Take a fall color tour – take a walk along an area that has trees with leaves bursting with colors. Have you ever driven along a highway that has a colony of trees with an array of color? It’s breathtaking. To best enjoy this, make sure you aren’t the person driving.

If you like to canoe or kayak, you may find it peaceful to do so at this time of year.

2.      Try a new recipe – when I searched the web I found a site that listed 30 popular fall recipes. One recipe that stuck my fancy was a Honeycrisp Apple and Kale Salad. Then there’s the Creamy Wild Rice Soup with Butternut Roasted Mushrooms. Yum.

Honeycrisp Apple and Kale Salad

Creamy Wild Rice Soup

3.      Get Cozy – wrap your hands around a warm mug of your favorite beverage and curl up in a corner of your couch. Read a book, watch a movie, or listen to relaxing music. Whatever your idea of cozy looks like, make it happen.

Are you looking forward to changes this season? This has been a tough year with so many limitations due to the national pandemic. It’s time for positive changes or at the very least doing things that bring happiness to you and those around you.

Make a list of 10 things that bring you joy (yes I’m a list person). No matter how large or small, simple, or extravagant, write them down. Below are a ideas from my list.

1.      Fresh cut flowers in a vase on a table

2.      Sending a card to a friend

3.      Laughing with friends

4.      Travel

5.      Reading a good book

6.      Starting a new project (taking a class, writing project, sewing)

Days are shorter and seasons change, cherish every opportunity you have to enjoy the comforts of home, friends, and family.

Fun Friday – Read the Small Print

 

A gift of  brotherly love

Tupac Shakur was a popular rap artist in the 1990’s. One of my sons was born the same year that Tupac died, yet both of my sons talk about Tupac’s music as though they were around at the time of his fame. My older son surprised his brother by visiting him at college, with a birthday gift in hand. It was a small gesture, but one he knew his brother would appreciate. Maybe.

My older son entered his brothers’ apartment with a broad grin across his face and holding the gift behind his back. “I got you something.” He whipped out a rolled-up poster that had a quote along the side. “This is you Bro, read the quote.”

“…by the words of His mouth…okay, that’s nice.”

“It’s a Tupac poster.”

My younger son began unrolling the poster, “Um, I don’t think this is a Tupac poster.” Stars and constellations danced on the poster as my son read the entire  quote to his brother.

“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made and the stars, by the word of His mouth” – Psalm 33:6

As my son recanted this story to me over the phone I said, “Did you get Tupac confused with Jesus?”

I told my son about an old spiritual song parishioners used to sing at my grandfathers’ church. The lyrics were, take the Lord along with you everywhere you go; You’re gonna’ need Him, everywhere you go.

The poster error was one way of telling my sons they needed a little more Jesus and a little less Tupac. I still had one lingering question for my son, “How did you think you had a Tupac poster?”

The answer was simple, “I just grabbed the wrong one, the posters were all next to each other.”

Read the small print and now what you’re getting. It’s not always bad, just know what you’re getting.

Have you ever misread a label?

Wellness Wednesday - The Laughter Project - Keep Laughing

 

Photo Credit: Laughter Online University

Photo Credit: Popsugar

Photo Credit: Joke Quote

Muffins with Mom – 3 Tips for preparing your child to leave home

 

When a child leaves home for the first time it can be a daunting task. During this time of COVID-19, some colleges are strictly online, while others are hybrid offering both online and in-person. My sons are experiencing both methods. Thinking about them going back to campus has caused me to reflect on a time one of my sons went off to college for the first time. The story is below.

 After a visit to the college my son will attend, I relate the experience to the game show $100,000 Pyramid. You know, the show where one person gives their teammate clues to the word they want him to say.

While apartment hunting for my son, we discovered a location that was impressive. A rental agent walked us through one of the models. The décor throughout the apartment had a definite theme; the place setting on the kitchen counter had the color scheme of the faux leather sofa and throw pillows.

I checked drawers, open doors, and discovered a treasure. In the dark corner of a closet, lurking in a small space, was a broom. I snatched it from its resting place and displayed it for my son. Of course I had to ask him, “Do you know what this is and how to use it?”

My son rolled his eyes and said, “It’s a mop” sarcasm evident on his face, but I didn’t let him off that easy. I began to throw clues at him.

“It’s something used to clean dirt/dust from a floor, people use it in place of a vacuum cleaner. It’s used for one of those chores you rarely do.” This was my version of the $100,000 Pyramid.

“Your sarcasm is wasted on me. I will keep the apartment clean.”

My son understood what I was indicating to him. Yay.

Whether you’re sending your child off to camp for the summer or getting her ready for college, preparation is required. If you asked me my top three tips for preparing your child to leave home, here’s what I would say:

1.      Teach them to be respectful – be mindful of those she/he has to share a space with; keep their area clean.

2.      Have a cooperative spirit – be willing to help where needed (without the excessive moaning, groaning and grumbling).

3.      Teach him to be resourceful – problem solving skills can come in handy when a child is away from home. Whether it is conflict resolution or knowing how to stretch a dollar, awareness in this area can go a long way.

What tips would you add for a parent preparing child to leave home?

Feel Good Friday - Fit and Fabulous After 50

A trip to the zoo can be refreshing

 

Feel your best, look your best, because you are beautiful. Your are fit and fabulous and it's not always about your weight. Take care of your mental and spiritual health too.

Go to your happy place wherever that may be - watching a sunset, a trip to the zoo (oh wait, that's what I did), or a bubble bath with soft background music.

Today I have the honor of being a guest blogger for The Menopause Goddess blog. Check out the blog for more tips on how to be the best you and thrive during this stage of your life called menopause (click here).

Wellness Wednesday – The Laughter Project Too

 

The challenge in week one was to create a Humor Journal. The Humor Journal is your collection of funny thoughts, quote, drawings, or anything that makes you smile. What made you smile last week?

Here is something I found interesting in the past week.

Visiting a Relative

I visited a relative on Labor Day and enjoyed chatting and breaking bread together. As I sat at the dining room table, I began to swing my legs playfully as they dangled. The thought struck me, I’m sitting in a high chair of sorts.

My thoughts took me down a path of… As infants we ate our food while sitting in highchairs, kicking and screaming to get out when done. As adults we hop up onto highchairs with glee, kicking and swinging our legs because we’re having fun. I guess this is one example of how our perspective changes as we grow older.

I’ll leave you with a thought for the day – “Humor is the best icebreaker” (8,789 Words of Wisdom by Barbara Ann Kipfer).

YouTube Video Credit: Tim Hawkins - Christian Comedy

May your day be filled with laughter. Take note of what makes you smile this week.

 

Motivational Monday – Labor Day Blessings

 

Photo Credit: The Prayer Circle Leader

Did you know the first Labor Day occurred in 1882 in New York City? The organizers wanted to create an event that “brought different types of workers together to meet each other and recognize their common interests.” Labor Day was established because workers  felt they were spending too many hours and days on the job (70-hour weeks on average).

Take time this Labor to Rest, Relax and Rejuvenate.

Photo Credit: Talk Amen

Photo Credit: Women to Women Mentoring

Fun Friday – A Menopausal Moment

 

September is recognized as Menopause Awareness Month. During this month I will  periodically share my observations, tips, and thoughts, with a scoop of humor.

Here are my ramblings for today…

No need to be frustrated about the annoying symptoms of menopause. As one of the insurance  commercials says, ”think of all the money you’ll save…” (by utilizing your menopause symptoms).

Gym Memberships

Give up your gym membership. You can get the same workout as you sleep. A simple round of night sweats will have you feeling like you’re swimming laps.

Hot Flashes

Any hot flashes you experience can be equated to running a 50-yard dash.

Mood Swings

Think of mood swings as enhancing your personality. Some people speak two languages, you can transform yourself into two people.

Have you ever felt like you have to laugh to keep from crying (as the saying goes)? Sometimes a little laughter helps to ease stress we’re feeling. I have just the thing for you. I’ve teamed up with Dr. Joy for a Girls Night In. Our event is Take a Men-It-to Pause. It will be a night of hormones, hope, and humor.

Girls Night In will include story sharing, games, prizes, and comedy. This free event will take place by Zoom on Tuesday, September 8^th at 7pm (EST). Space is limited, register by Saturday, September 5th (through Eventbrite).

Whether you experience brain fog, mood swings, or hot flashes, there is hope, healing and humor through the stages of menopause.

Here’s a homework assignment for you. Think about your funniest menopausal moment – did that memory bring a smile to your face? Hold that thought and share it with us during A Men-It-to Pause. You will get through this season; you are not alone.

It’s time to celebrate YOU.

Wellness Wednesday – The Laughter Project

 

It’s September already, soon the season will transition from summer to fall. What season of life are you in? Do you want to focus on your finances, job changes, or perhaps your health? All these things tie in with your overall health and wellness.

You’re probably wondering where laughter fits in with all of this. You may have heard me say this before – laughter has health benefits (click here for benefits). I won’t list them, but here’s one of my favorites:

Laughter burns calories

If laughter burns calories, does that mean I can walk around randomly laughing all day? That’s better than any workout plan I can come up with.

Disclaimer: I wouldn’t give up my workout, but the thought of laughter as my main source of exercise brought a smile to my face.

Now for the Laughter Project. Your challenge for the month of September is to begin  Humor Journal. Make notes on anything that you find funny or brings a smile to your face. It could be a funny quote, funny meme, or a picture of people laughing. Don’t make this hard, keep it simple and fun.

We’ll check in here each Wednesday to share stories, tips, or things you’ve discovered about laughter and humor.

A laugh a day keeps stress at bay. Go find some laughs.