When Did Everything Become so Serious?
At a coffee shop this week I overheard someone ask their friend, “When did everything become so serious?” And, I felt that and then I got curious.
It’s not that our lives aren’t good or that we don’t have things worth celebrating. But we carry a lot of responsibilities. We manage relationships, work, family, along with everything happening around us and in the world. I think it’s possible that we have become so focused on managing life that we forget to enjoy it. At least, I think it’s true for me.
The world feels heavy. There’s so much happening that deserves our attention, our compassion, and sometimes our concern. We don’t have to look very far to find something troubling. And for many of us, that’s in addition to a plate of responsibilities that’s already overflowing.
We’re caring for people, managing households, working, nurturing relationships, anticipating needs, and keeping track of all the things that need to happen next. And even when we finally stop for the day, our minds don’t always follow.
This is true for me. I can become so caught up in my thoughts, the things I need to do, the things I’m concerned about, and even the things I can’t do anything about, that I can feel emotionally exhausted. There’s not one thing to point to, it’s the accumulation of everything, all at once.
When I recognize this happening, I’ve learned that I have to be intentional about changing the energy. Mine and the energy in the space around me.
Sometimes, this might be as simple as turning on music. Music is a great energy changer. I have playlists just for this reason. But it might also be going for a walk, or meeting with one of my friends for coffee. But as one who leans introverted, the thought of getting dressed and leaving the house to engage with people can feel like one more thing I don’t have the energy to do. That’s when I have to remind myself of how much better I will feel afterward.
On the days when leaving and interacting with people feels like too much and the music isn’t working, I have another option.
I open my browser and search for funny videos. I do mean search. Apparently, my algorithm hasn’t figured out that I need a little more laughter in my life. So, I look up funny pet and kid videos. Hearing those deep belly laughs always gets me. And there I sit, at my desk, watching ridiculous videos and laughing out loud.
And you know what, it helps.
I know the world hasn't changed and my plate is probably still full, but it feels easier to manage and to focus when life doesn’t feel so heavy.
I know sometimes it’s easier to put our head down and do all the things. After all, checking off a list can create a sense of accomplishment. But I think laughter can bring something else: clarity and perspective, and a little lightness.
What if we gave ourselves permission to laugh more? What if we actually scheduled it? If we pencilled it into our daily calendar or added it to our to-do list?
We are really good at being responsible. What if we became just as good at pausing, noticing our energy level, and making space for fun and silliness?
I know this won’t solve all of our problems. We can’t ignore what’s happening around us or pretend that life isn’t complicated. I care deeply about people and the world we share. I don’t want to become someone who looks away simply because something is uncomfortable.
But I also don’t believe that carrying the weight of everything makes me more compassionate, more responsible, or more capable of making a difference.
So, maybe sometimes, we just need to laugh.
Sometimes I need to leave the house, spend time with people who make me smile, or do something completely unproductive. And sometimes, I need to sit at my desk and watch ridiculous videos until I’m laughing so hard that I forget, for just a moment, the heaviness I was feeling.
Maybe laughter doesn't have to wait until life feels lighter. Maybe it's one of the ways we help ourselves carry what is heavy.
So, if your plate is full, give this a try. Watch a silly video, like the one I've included. Pencil laughter into your calendar. Make a little room for fun, even if it serves no purpose other than making you smile.
And see what happens. I'd love to hear about it.
Much love,
Ps. I'm taking orders for holiday custom photos of your pets. They make great gifts. Click on this link and see some of the photos.
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