Unless you’ve been living in a cave, you have probably noticed the negativity of world events. I don’t have broadcast television and yet I still feel overwhelmed by it. I am blasted by negative and sad stories in social media, in conversations and even in my Email. It’s enough to weigh even the sunniest person down.
My kids and I have a group message board and lately we’ve noticed that the negative world events are even infiltrating our little group. It natural, I suppose. We can’t help but vent from time to time when the world is going crazy.
Then, my son-in-law did something brilliant. He began sharing dumb “Dad Jokes,” like the real groaners. Since he gets up at the crack of dawn to commute, I now get to wake up to the lamest jokes on earth. It’s such a fun way to put a smile on my face at the start of each day.
My niece (a cop in a crime-ridden city) soon joined in and added her own jokes and the two of them began competing to see who could find the worst jokes (most days it was a tie).
The rest of us added weird and funny news stories. That morphed into funny pictures, sweet and touching videos and pictures of dream homes and vacations. After a while, we were smiling more than we were angry and frustrated.
Of course, we still vent sometimes, but we try to mix in more of the fun things, the laughter, beauty and love that this world can offer.
The next time you feel overwhelmed by all the negativity, get a joke book from the library and sprinkle some laughter (and groans) into your life. Have a family joke contest: the worst joke wins or the first person to laugh loses. Yes, your kids will complain about how lame your jokes are, but secretly they will love it.
And, you will find something to smile about.
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
Read more of Ann’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
