There is a direct correlation between the level of happiness in one’s life and the amount of silliness they allow into it.” – Unknown 

I woke one morning restless, out of sorts and in a blue mood for no specific reason. As I half heartedly went about my day, I heard an old song on the radio that changed my mood.  The title of the song was Grandma’s Lye Soap (from a 1952 comedy album titled “It’s in the Book”).  I don’t know what motivated me to turn on the radio at that exact time or why the DJ selected that specific song. But, it sure dredged up some good memories and chased my blues away.

The memory of being a 15 year old hearing that song for the first time caused me to grin, stop my chores, sing along with the radio and do a silly dance. When the song and my little dance ended, my blues were gone, I was giggling like a teen-ager and feeling great. This incident reminded me that silly is good for the soul and makes the day better.  So, I called an old friend, we took a stroll down memory lane and laughed until our sides ached. Later in the day, I joined a group of new friends for a silly and fun lunch.  These lunches have now become a habit.

A word of warning:  If you live in Mesquite and happen upon a group of old ladies laughing, being silly and just enjoying other’s company at a local restaurant, don’t be alarmed.  It’s just a group of friends who have made the decision to set our problems aside for a few hours and find reasons to laugh together.  Being with this group has taught me that there is no better way to spend a few hours than being silly in good company. I’ve learned a few other things about silliness and laughter from these ladies:

  • Being silly is better for your health than being serious or upset and its more fun
  • The sound of laughter is contagious
  • Friends are timeless treasures that grow more wonderful each day
  • Silly is not stupid.  Stupid is refusing to see the humor in life
  • Silliness and laughter keep life balanced and are good medicine for achy hearts, troubled minds and sad faces
  • Being silly is a healthy thing to do.  It relieves stress and reduces anxiety.

I’m all for taking frequent breaks from seriousness and injecting a bit of whimsy into your day.  Whether you spend it alone or with others, be yourself (your silly self). Ask yourself: What have I done today that made me laugh? Have I smiled at myself at all? Why not? What or who I saving my smiles for?

Some pursue happiness, others create it.  I strive to be one of the creators.

Betty Freeman Haines, an author and award winning columnist, lives in Mesquite, NV.  Her books/e-books, Reluctant Hero and Grieving Sucks or Does It, can be ordered from amazon.comShare your thoughts and opinions with her at betvern@cascadeaccess.com