If the holidays left a weighty feeling (physically, mentally and emotionally) how best to move past and enjoy this year? The added weight of war, politics, news definately does not enhance our wellbeing. This all does not deserve the space it occupies in our lives. Agree?

Carpooling with a group of friends this week reminded me that we have choices. The chatter was about a news item when Connie said, “I don’t know what you ar talking about, I don’t listen to the news.” She then went on to extoll the virture of avoiding what she cannot control. We all shared glances. While it appears Connie lives a sheltered life, her perspective of what is important may be just the right anedote we need now.

If you or a loved one has a cancer diagnosis, life has dropped a complex mixture of fear, frustration and even more pressure. Maybe instead of being all dug into happenings in the world, my friend’s approach of self awareness could be just what we need. So, let’s find a way to take control. This is a note to remind you that you need to mind your life.

So, my new mission is to find light. Sure you can exercise ( the outdoor circuit class this week was more fierce due to 30 degrees in Florida!) Yoga helps, caring for patients is my expression of joy. But to override the negative, we need a real plan- more than just dry January. Ha!

So, I have made a new commitment to comedy! Yes! I’ve switched the channels in the car and at home to comedy and even in a short drive, I am sure to break out a chuckle. Comedy sees the mundane with amusement. I search for comedy movies and even standup on streaming services.

Years ago we had laughology classes for cancer patients. You laughed until a momentum occurred and you almost couldn’t stop. It lifted our dopamine levels and immunity. Great fun to do with others. If you are lightheated (lucky) you may not even understand my point. But if you are serious, cautious, concerned by nature, then we require an outside source to move the internal dialogue.

I’ve decided that joke filled January may serve me better than even dry January. We’ve allowed so much media and internet to infiltrate and occupy our thoughts and attention. We’ve left little space for a lighter heart. The patient who enters the center with joy, not only has an easier time with even less side effects, but has a greater sense of peace and hope as well as positive outcomes.

Try it. Tune out trouble and tune in a giggle. It will lighten your heart and those around you.When you smile it is well documented that your brain changes. Let’s try this concept of deliberately seeking lightness. It really may be the best medicine- you just needed a reminder. Thanks friends.