Laugh Often

WHEN WE WERE STATIONED IN LOS ANGELES, I BOUGHT A FRAMED PICTURE THAT SAID, “LAUGH OFTEN.” I needed it.

Life was busy and crazy. My children were young and their dad was often working late or travelling for work. I was tired. I was lonely. I was overwhelmed.

I placed that frame in the kitchen, the room that I occupied the most. That’s why there is a stain. A splatter of food.

I wanted to remind myself that I needed to stop what I was doing and laugh. Laugh at my children’s silly behavior. Laugh at the ridiculous things that always seemed to happen. Laugh at myself.

It took a little while, but after seeing that message every single day, and trying to find something to make me smile, I eventually did begin to smile. And laugh. And enjoy my life.

I choose to listen to songs that make me happy. I choose to watch shows that make me happy. I choose what I listen to, and what I turn off. I choose if I’m going to let bad things ruin my day. I choose if teaching a hard subject has to be frustrating. I choose to overdramatize when making a point with my kids. I make so many choices each day.

It’s a constant struggle. It’s not always an easy choice to make. But it’s worth it. I’m worth it.

I’m choosing to laugh often.