So how often did you laugh? Or did you just ignore Clever Doc’s first question? Clever Doc says that laughing, chuckling or smiling is good for you. Losing that ability is a danger sign. 

Here’s another post from from Clever Doc, also known as Linda Hawes Clever, friend of OTBKB and the founder of Renew.

A super-achiever with a streak of the Type-A, she’s a medical doctor and an occupational health specialist with a national reputation for activism and for professional and community service. In her work with Renew, she’s helping people battle the spiritual and physical exhaustion that zaps energy and the ability to live in the moment.

Just look around you on the subway, in the office, at school? Doesn’t everyone look hap hap happy?

MOST CHILDREN LAUGH 60 or more times a day. What happened to us? Our responsibilities grew; our simple pleasures diminished. We may be scattered or pressed. The first renewing question, “How many times did you really laugh yesterday?” checks out our sense of humor and fun.

Laughing, chuckling, or smiling is good for us; losing the ability is a danger signal.

Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist who survived the Holocaust although his family was killed, is the author of a short, must-read book called, "Man’s Search for Meaning." In it he describes his efforts to conduct sense-of-humor workshops for fellow concentration camp inmates. 

Even in the midst of unimaginable horrors, Frankl discovered, laughing breaks a downward spiral and lifts us out of the muck. Even for a moment, life changes for the better.

On a more personal note, I have a colleague who avoids human downers and seeks out people who make her laugh. Laughing buoys her in the moment and also leaves good memories.

Now, let’s talk about learning. Learning helps us refresh, do better at work or home; expand horizons and, therefore, enhance freedom and choices.

Learning provides the savory pleasure of understanding our world, our neighborhood, maybe ourselves.

HERE is the Second Question:

2. How would you describe your recent learning?

–Haven’t learned a new subject in the last year (0 points)

–I’m focused exclusively on what I know (1 point)

–I read or search widely beyond my basics (2 points)

–I take courses outside my basics (3 points)

–I teach others (4 points)