My how time flies...!
Another year of trials, tribulations, accomplishments and achievements. Another year of highs, lows and the bits in between. Another year of growth, reflection, and wisdom punctuated with stupid decisions and daft behaviours. Another year of selflessness and selfishness, of activity and laziness, of creation and destruction, of existential angst and mortality, of calmness and acceptance. of waste and consumption, of reduction and make do.
And the world keeps spinning in the infinite universe, despite the fleas arguing over who owns the dog.
There are times, particularly at this time of year when loneliness, the gulf between the haves and have nots, injustice and illusion and a myriad of other things can get a bit much and one needs some form of a diversion or at the least the smallest break from the relentless downward pressure. However temporary, that old trope of "laughter is the best medicine" maybe easily dismissed, but don't underestimate its power. Lots of research show its effects, although it is too easily forgotten when life gets in the way.
A simple trick I've found is based on the same idea as having a favourite playlist for exercise or improving your mood, a favourite film or video game to immerse yourself in or any other diversionary tactic-and that is to have your favourite comedy excerpts listed somewhere readily accessible for you to go to. A tab, word document, or even simple notepad text on your iPhone with saved weblinks from YouTube are some suggestions.
And just to give you an example of my go to favourites, that have me reaching for my inhaler, tears in my eyes and instantly feeling better here's my list below. And just to point out they're NSFW and your humour is not mine! Danceflap, Tapioca!