HOW?

Reinvigorate your life by focusing on your goals and dreams in a hopeful way.

Write your dreams down in full detail. Allow yourself to dream big, or, in other words, write out your very-best-case scenario.

Confront your negative talk. If you are convinced your dreams won’t happen, everyone else (and the universe) will agree with you. Sometimes we are so accustomed to our self-effacing thought patterns that we grow numb to the pain attached – but the negativity still acts against us!

Reverse negative patterns with healthy affirmations. Reduce your dreams to one easily repeatable sentence. Make sure it is grand enough to have emotion behind it, but not so big that your brain will instantly disregard it. Writing it as something "in progress" is a valuable trick. Repeat your affirmations whenever you think to. Carry them with you on index cards for easy reference.

Humor

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines humor as "something that is or is designed to be comical or amusing." The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) defines therapeutic humor as "any intervention that promotes health and wellness by stimulating a playful discovery, expression or appreciation of the absurdity or incongruity of life’s situations." Simply put, humor is a positive mindset coupled with the desire and ability to laugh. It has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, raise self-esteem, and enhance relationships. It also makes life a lot more fun.

HOW?

Applying humor to your life does not require you to "be funny," but it does require you to "see funny." Start finding the laughter in your life today.

Acknowledge your unique sense of humor. What makes you laugh? How does that differ from others’ preferences? Save and collect clips (paper or video) that make you chuckle. Share them with friends.
Reframe life situations into funnier points of view. According to Carol Burnett, "Humor is pain plus time." If it’s going to be funny tomorrow, can you find a way to laugh about it today?

Surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Eat with co-workers who would rather tell a joke than gripe about the boss. Avoid sourpusses, grouches, and grumblers. Seek out people who understand that a little laughter goes a long way!

If all else fails, curl up and watch some Sesame Street. You’re guaranteed a few good life lessons disguised as silly songs. You’ll probably get a few good chuckles in, too. Too proud to watch children’s television, even in private? If nothing else, remember the words of a kind, friendly monster named Grover, "Where there is life, there is hope." If a Muppet gets it, you have no excuses.

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