Can You Laugh at Your Troubles?

If you want to enjoy every single day, it pays to develop a good sense of humor. 

This is the advice I’ve been telling myself lately, and I’m offering it to you as well. Let’s face it: as beautiful as life can be, there’s no way to avoid a few bumps along the way. It’s not unusual for everyday problems to knock us around, but a “lightening up” strategy can work wonders.

When I'm not working on my sequel to Groovin’: Horses, Hopes, and Slippery Slopes​, I like to play poker with my buddies. My favorite game  is Texas Holdem—a game that requires you to master over 50 skills to become a great player. And even if you become proficient at the game, you still have to make good decisions and deal with that mischievous Lady Luck.

Sometimes I push a lot of chips in the middle with what I hope is the best hand, only to find out my opponent has a better one. Or worse yet, get called by a crap hand and the other player gets crazy lucky and outdraws me. This can be a bummer, but if I go “on tilt,” my judgment can be compromised.

I follow a poker rule called the "20-year rule." The basic premise is to ask yourself, "Will this matter in 20 years?"

Isn't that great advice? I find it also comes in handy when dealing with life. If I apply it, I can dismiss the emotional impact of most situations.

​So when serious problems come your way, take the edge off by tipping your perspective toward the comical side of things. This requires some practice, but I urge you to give it a try.

A hearty sense of humor can truly be uplifting.

Are you ready to lighten up with me today?