Laughter~An Important Part of Our Day

Having a sense of humor is an important aspect of being healthy. This morning when I woke up I was thinking about how I love to be with friends that make me laugh. Immediately two groups of friends came to mind. The first one is my group of friends that meet at my house once a week to discuss life. Our original intent was to meet together to support each other in a healthy life style, proper nutrition, regular exercise, etc. But that little group has become so much more.

Because we have been friends for years and years, we have supported each other through many, many things. We have probably saved each other thousands of $ in shrink fees over the years just by being there for each other!

One day not long ago, Jim was off work on Monday morning when we were meeting. He was busy outside but he heard us all laughing. Something was shared that was so hilarious we were laughing for about ten minutes, maybe longer. One of the things that makes this group so successful is that we live by this code..."What is said in this room stays in this room," and everybody honors it!

Jim pestered me all day to share what was so funny but I couldn't. Aside from "The Code" what made it so hilarious was all that we have shared as a group up to that moment. You can imagine how close that can make friends over years. It was one of those..."Ya had to be there" kind of moments. It would just lose so much in the retelling.

One of the things that makes this group so precious to me is that we laugh and have fun all the time. Have you ever noticed that some people just make you a funnier person? I think when you can relax and be yourself then your true sense of humor emerges. That one particular morning we just kept feeding off each other's shared humor and it was so contagious. It truly was one of those magical moments between friends. When Jim and I were serving in the Singles Ward for five and a half years...these friends kept me feeling so connected to our ward and church family that it made coming back just wonderful and such an easy transition.

Another group that makes me laugh is a group of women that have met together every Christmas for over 25 years for a fun luncheon. I call it the Golden Girls luncheon. Some of the friends are in both groups. Some of these ladies I never see except at this luncheon once year, but I kid you not, we don't stop laughing the whole time. My cheeks ache before I get home from that particular annual event.

As I have thought about why these friends are so important to me, of course it is many things. But one thing that seems to stick out is that it is a regularly planned time set aside each week and once a year to share time together. Planning it seems to be the key. For us, if we just roll along day to day..nothing happens socially. Or at least that is our experience that when we get a few unencumbered moments we just want to draw the shades and hang out at home. Of course those times are precious too. But we have to plan things with friends~it doesn't just happen. We have to plan times when the soul purpose is to relax and enjoy others. There is so much more to an enjoyable life than working and sleeping and finding that balance is an art.

I am not a big party person. I am not a small talker, are you? My husband is an expert at it at parties, he can talk to people about anything...me, I struggle with it. But I love the one on one and small groups interactions where you can really get to know people. I think this is one reason why I love blogging so much. Each of your posts helps me to know the real you better.

How do you find balance in your social life and do you have friends that just make you laugh so hard you cry? It is the best...I recommend it be a part of most days!! (Like the experts recommend 30 minute of exercise most days.) It is the best medicine in the world for me.

How about you? It helps me to not take things so seriously and to lighten up! Otherwise the grisly part of everyday life can get the better of me! Thank you, dear friends, for the elevation! Thank you for those tears-streaming-down-your-face, flat out hilarious moments we share. I ♥ U!

And not to leave the family out...here is a funny one if you haven't had your daily dose of the giggles today. Jen and Lowell's contribution to the ward film festival a few years ago. Of course they are our grandgirls so we think this is clever and hilarious. I hope you do too.