It's good to be able to laugh at yourself and the problems you face in life. Sense of humor can save you.
-Margaret Cho
I try to use humor as part of my therapy sessions when it’s appropriate. But, with all the heaviness in our world right now, sometimes humor can feel unattainable and very far away. So, I’ve been trying to look for it, acknowledge it and create it in my life. Some days are definitely easier to accomplish this than others.
When you take stock of your everyday life, where are you finding humor? One area I’m seeing it a lot in my own life is around the wearing of masks in public, something that’s still as bizarre today as the first day I realized it was a “thing.” For example, I never thought I’d have conversations about what masks are best to use in everyday life or that I’d have new pet peeves around people not wearing their masks correctly (masks pulled below your chin, hanging off one ear or hanging around your neck DO NOT COUNT!).
Where does humor come into play in your family life? I think on of my kids sums up our lives right now in a very honest and funny way. “It’s gotten to the point where everything you do is annoying” (I agree, too much togetherness!) and “my day consists of planning what I’m eating next.” (So true, right?).
Are you finding humor at work right now too? I’m doing all online therapy sessions (and was set up this way even before COVID-19 hit). I think we’ve all got to find a way to embrace the tech issues, as they are definitely a part of this work. Some of my favorite online counseling moments recently include when a client told me my hair had suddenly turned punk rocker pink and purple on her screen. She couldn’t stop laughing, and I would have loved to see it on my end! In another session, my client told me that my picture was pixelated and I looked like I was part of a Monet Impressionist painting (I would have loved to see that one too!).
Sometimes laughter really is the best medicine. I’m trying to keep that in the forefront of my mind as I navigate these difficult times, and I hope you’re able to do this is your own life as well.
