To Laugh is Proper to the Man…
Courage To Change — March 31, 2019
Working on yourself, your life and what else is important, but as the quote from today’s reading says, joy surmounts grief and … to laugh is proper to the man. We, humans, are creatures of pain, of joy, of grace and divinity. Not any one aspect can define a man, and to focus on or dwell in one frame, one moment, only reduces us in God’s awareness.
Quick and Simple Disclaimer: The readings in this post are literally taken wholesale out of the book entitled Courage to Change. You can find it at Amazon, Here. The portion entitled Alleged Insight, well that mess is all me.
If you’re an introvert, go buy the book, if you’re a broke introvert, the text from many good books can be found HERE , if you’re in dire straits however, go find an Al-Anon Meeting, it saved me.
So onward to Today’s Reading
Al-Anon is where many of us who have lived with alcoholism begin to grow up for the first time. We learn to face the world as it really is and to take responsibility for our actions. We deal with our feelings and share honestly about our experiences. We learn about ourselves and nurture our spiritual growth and our physical and mental well being. We become responsible adults.
An important part of the serious business of recovery involves recognizing our need to have fun – to take a trip, to fly a kite, attend a concert, make noise, race down the street, or blow bubbles. Lightheartedness can put troublesome situations into perspective. It reminds us that there is more to life than the problem at hand. Taking ourselves too seriously won’t solve a problem any quicker. In fact, taking a break may help more than continuing to struggle – even Jello must be left alone in order to form as it should. A good laugh may be the best tool available to help us let go, and we’ll come back to our task refreshed.
Today’s reminder
A well-developed sense of humor helps me detach from my personal struggles and triumphs. I will avoid taking myself too seriously today.
“One Inch of joy surmounts of grief a span,
Because to laugh is proper to the man.”
Quote: Francois Rabelais
Alleged Insight:
There’s a Kenny Chesney song that fits this one today, let’s see if I can find it…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYQZJ9NUzYU
Essentiallly, while focusing on the problem will help define the problem, without some outside influence, (get yourself away for a moment), if you’re anything like me, all you’re going to do is wallow in the problem. To step away, and experience the joy allows the recovery to start happening in its own correct path.
I know that when all I do is think on what’s got me twisted in knots and my mind betraying me, I stay stuck. In fact, I get worse, not better. All the understanding and knowledge in the world won’t help me. But taking a hike with the kids, talking over coffee with the neighbor, and yes, even going to church to pray and participate in Mass, these things pull me out of myself and get me headed back down the path to recovery.
See, my brain is a traitorous thing, it will drive me to attempt suicide just because. So I have to outsmart myself in order to make headway back to the light and reason for living.
Wow, sorry, that got deep fast. Anyhow, to closing.
Closing thoughts:
Mankind does not achieve greatness through intention alone. But through excitement. The mind can only point us in the direction we need to go. Without engaging the heart and soul, we will never go anywhere. We are not machines, but were created in the image of the one who loves us unconditionally. Is it any surprise that to become the best version of ourselves, we need to involve that love in our recovery?
Take care out there,
Duke.