In the beginning, when I first became a single parent, most days it took everything I had not to break down and cry all day every day. If you had told me I needed to laugh my way through it, I think I would have about killed you. I did not feel like laughing. I was absolutely miserable. Then one day I read a quote by Marjorie Pay Hinckley. She said, “The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache.” I had to smile as I thought of this sweet little old woman. She made me realize that I had indeed had a constant headache for over a month, all because I had chosen to cry my way through instead of laugh.
Believe it or not studies have shown that just thinking about laughing sends beta-endorphins into your bloodstream! Amazing what a little brain power can do! Life is tough sometimes. There are going to be days when you do not feel like laughing. But I promise if you try it you will be surprised at how well it actually works. The more you fake it the more you start to believe it.
Try not to take everything so seriously. If the kids are five minutes late to their soccer game it’s really not the end of the world. If all you have time for is a frozen pizza tonight, it’s ok. Your kids won’t be scarred for life. When you find yourself stressing take a step back and try to find a way to make the situation lighter. Life doesn’t have to be miserable, even if you are going through a divorce. Laugh you way through it!