The Significance of Laughter

Such a serious title for something as benign as laughter. Yes, it is, but for a reason. The need to laugh, to find humor in things sometimes unfunny, to chuckle, giggle, guffaw, shriek, snort, or titter, may be one of the best remedies for what ails you.

Humor is serious business. Huh? That's right. We need to laugh just as much as we need to eat or sleep. Think about how you feel when deprived of your recommended nightly hours of sleep--not too good, right? How about when your stomach is reminding you that you have not eaten recently, or that you have and that it was not sitting well down there. Again, not a pleasant sensation. Same can be said about those who do not get enough laughter in their daily lives. Eat, drink, and be merry. Perhaps there was something to that ancient adage after all?

One of the reasons I created livelife365 (both my website and this blog) was to be able to reach as many people as possible, sharing with them all the myriad ideals and ideas, videos and music, helpful programs and proven theories that I have amassed over the years. But the best part is that I not only can help others lose weight or eat right, gain self-esteem or proper balance, but that I can entertain them. Make them laugh. It's no accident that livelife365 offers more than most blogs or websites, a more diverse menu of entrees. I want to be able to help and teach, council and coach, share and learn, yes, but I also get a great deal of satisfaction when I put a smile on someone's face.

I have been asked,"Mike, how can you be treated seriously as a self-help guru when you are constantly acting like a goofball in some of your videos?" My response to that is: If I made you laugh, then it was worth it. Livelife365 is all about life, and the importance of living your life each day to its fullest. Yes, adhering to a healthy lifestyle is vital, as is proper mental focus and self development. But all that and not enough joy, humor or laughter in your life is an incomplete life. An unfulfilled life.

One of my favorite programs is called Triad of Balance (book coming out soon, I promise). This is about getting your mind, body, and spirit in balance as one, after working on balancing each one individually. It is easier said than done (see previous blog entry with the same title, as well as video), but finding daily laughter in your life will help your balance in each area--Mind; Body; Spirit. That, in a nutshell, should underscore the importance of laughter. The significance of finding humor every day.

Good luck, here's to a hearty chuckle today, hopefully much more than one. If you need help, visit my website and mouse over LAUGH. There you will discover dozens of, most of the time, funny videos that should do the trick. If not, let me know what tickles your funny bone and I will do my best to put a smile on your face.

If you really want to laugh at me, check out my new video, "How to...Embarrass Your Children." Watch it at livelife365.com or at the bottom of this page.

Until next time...


peace,
Mike

Earth Day Means Think Green...Every Day

Happy Earth Day. And while I think celebrating environmental awareness is essential and important, it is something that should be done every day. And, since I do try to bring my own bags, made out of recycled materials, to the store when I purchase organic products most every time I shop, I would like to talk about other things green. Like healthy things. Like green food. Now, come back here. I see you running away from your computer screen in search of a thick, greasy cheeseburger, dreaming about washing that baby down with a thick cholesterol-laden chocolate shake. And, if that is something that you cannot live without, who am I to stand in your way?

Okay, those of you still remaining, let's talk green stuff, good, green foods that will not only lengthen your stay on this planet, whose day it is today, remember? But I'm talking about green foods that taste good, help you lose weight, and lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, the risk of heart disease, and diabetes. Would somebody go and get those cheeseburger eaters and drag them back here? Thanks, I'll wait...

Let's start with the F-word. No, not that one: FIBER. Fiber-rich foods are not all green, but they do help with all of what I described above: weight-loss, health improvement, and good taste. So, enough small talk, let's eat:

(in no particular order)
apples
broccoli
peas
salads, lots of it
cucumbers
edamame, which is nothing but soy beans
speaking of beans, add those: green beans, navy beans, pinto, kidney, black, they are all great for you, filled with vegetarian protein and fiber
pears
spinach
hummus (if you add some dill or parsley, it will look green)
herbs, speaking of dill and parsley
melons
squash
nuts (most are not green, but pistachios are)
whole grains (again, most are not green but can't keep them off the list)
avocados
artichokes
asparagus
bananas (but wait until they turn yellow)
Brussels sprouts
tomatoes (fried green ones)
cabbage
peppers

I could go on and on, and will in coming entries. But, you get the idea. Notice what's missing from this list? Yes, meats. And dairy. Now, I'm not suggesting you go without a burger once and a while, or cheese or milk, but we're talking green today. And every day, if you want to live longer, feel better, drastically reduce your ailments, lose weight. And do your part to celebrate Earth (green) Day every day.

Think about it.

peace,
Mike