In part 1 we learn that the humor is not only missing, but it escaped us. Left behind in its place is not the total and complete you but the coping and surviving you as evidence by your stern face and staring gestures. Your own face starts to look like STONEHENGE
BEWARE OF ATROPHY OF THE FACE MUSCLES
If you stay in this mode for any length of time, the grin, laugh and expression muscles of your face just become limp from non use. In their place is a type of Mount Rushmore face which you take to be normal while others see it as gloom. Here is a quick check test to see your too serious status in the private. Do try this at home. Do not do this at work, while eating, in front of a policeman or your boss or while driving any vehicle.
1. Smile. Now was it natural? Any pulling on the face? Uncomfortable? Strange sensations? This may mean that you don't work these muscles out enough
2. Now frown. Seem comfortable? No pulling or discomfort? Perhaps these muscles are over-used instead of being used once in a while
3. Put on your serious face. No change? Too easy? Effortless? Uh-oh...again your spending too much time with this muscle group
4. Put on a happy face. Feel the pull? Awkward? Silly? Not you? Effort? Strange?Is this natural or does it feel like it is visiting with you?
Of course the opposites apply for all these too. If you can go to the expressions and your face just cruises over there, I say good job!
I have seen some of my best jokes not be able to bring some people back. But I persist and eventually and for your own good, I will wear you down until I get a grin. Oh it will surprise you as much as it surprises me. Me, I get encouraged. You, however lose some control and feel tingling in your face from making it break its mold. The tingling wears off from use BTW....
LAUGH AND THE WORLD LAUGHS WITH YOU
Look for the humor. Want to find it and start with yourself. I have laughed at myself for years surprised at what I say or do sometimes. Its hilarious too. Caution when you see it in others. They don't know you are laughing with them and instead think you are laughing at them. Yikes
SHOW DISCRETION
I don't laugh at practical joking, at the expense of others or to please other people either. I have heard some inappropriate jokes and my face reflected what I thought. I have seen people stumble and fall and bump into things and if they laugh, I can support it. But they have to go first. Someone who is hurt (or hurting) is nothing to laugh at. Restraint and consideration please
LOOSEN UP A LITTLE
Too serious are you? What do you gain from it? Control, discipline, hidden feelings, putting on a front, hiding from life and others, wanting to be right all the time and never wrong all testify to the power of this. It robs you of joy, happiness, peace, hope and simplicity of life. Its a theft!
I leave you with and for no apparent reason an invitation to.....LOL...or to at least smile?
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