Being cheerful
I feel grumpy today.
In this present mood, I would fit very nicely into a role in the movie “Grumpy Old Men.” Why am I feeling this way? Well, it’s a bit deep so let’s not go there, but instead let’s find some light.
There’s an old adage that reminds us a picture is worth a thousand words, and that’s true. However, I’ve found an adage by, yours truly, helps in many situations, and it goes like this: Humor is the light that brightens the dark.
I expect that all of us have lost a family member. It’s usually a rather lightless occasion and calls for much physical and emotional support. Yet I’ve usually discovered that, in the dark time, a well placed bit of humor brings out a smile. I’ve placed those bits of humor and have seen those rays of light shining through those tough moments.
Humor helps us heal.
I just came back from taking some mail to the post office to have them mailed for us. In the building, I ran into a friend and we began to talk about postal concerns — how mail is returned to us even with proper addresses, etc. Yes it’s irritating, but we began to tell stories and a stream of light began to brighten our disappointments.
Laughter is good for us.
I usually have an afternoon cocktail. It’s become a tradition and I anticipate the taste of my expertly made drink. I think a relative of mine would take great exception to the last part of that previous sentence, but, what the heck, I enjoy my mastery of bar tending. The result is decent and the tradition opens the path for some laughter.
I anticipate some jokes coming my way shortly from that paragraph and that’s OK. A good joke makes one feel cheerful.
As I hosted a wine tasting event recently, it became obvious that, to this group of folks, it wasn’t so much about tasting new wines, but being together to share stories and laughing together. We tasted a nice Riesling from Germany, a Carménère from Chile, a Minnesota Marquette and an Australian Cabernet Sauvignon.
Everyone at the table had a story to tell about one of the wines, and chuckles/smiles and hooting laughter filled the air. It was a very cheerful time.
Some years ago, our daughter left home to begin her life in New York City. I took her to the airport, and while saying goodbye, I left a part of my heart there as I watched her walk down the gang plank into the waiting plane.
As I watched her plane depart, I recalled what I always preached to our family — don’t be afraid to stretch yourself in life. That thought made me smile and I began to feel nothing but pride and cheerfulness.
OK, why am I grumpy today? The day is gray, chilly and very windy. What’s there to like in such weather? Well, then I told myself what we solid Minnesotans always say about the weather: “It could always be worse!” That made me chuckle and a ray of sunshine beamed through the clouds.
Maybe I should have a glass of Chardonnay with supper tonight. That will please my senses, my mind and go well with the fish being served.
Yes, life can be dull, hard, gray, sad and disappointing. But always stretch to find the humor — it’s just waiting for you to open that door so it can make you feel some cheer.
As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!
Cheers!



