A Serious Smile

"The one serious conviction that a man should have is that nothing is to be taken seriously."

- Samuel Butler

 (1835-1902) English Author

We live in a world filled with problems, challenges and disappointments.  We all have hard and sometimes life altering decisions to make.  Yes, living is a serious business to be sure.  This is the very reason why it is vital to your success not to take it all too seriously.

                I know it does not seem to make sense that we are not to be so serious in a serious world, however, those who cannot loosen up a bit will find more problems than can handle.  God in His great wisdom gave us a weapon against stress, tension and the weight of our problems, it is called humor. 

                People who take life so seriously that they find no room for happiness are more likely to die from the stress than from their problems.  Overly serious people have a harder time finding answers to their problems because all they can see is the problem.  Those with a sense of humor, who do not take life so seriously have the ability to resist stress and think clearer.

                Study after study have shown that laughter is the best reliever of stress in the world.  Those who can laugh are those who can find answers to their problems and are able to move forward when others are bogged down in the worry of the day. 

                As laughter is the best medicine, seriousness is the poison that kills.  Worry does not achieve anything, it does not create change nor does it find answers.  Even Jesus Himself said that worry would not add one day to your life.  Besides, there is far too much fun and humor to be had in this life to waste time in doom and gloom.

                I believe that one of the very best things you can do for yourself is to find a friend who is funny and takes life lightly.  Spend time with that person.  Learn to loosen up and laugh at silly things for a change.  You will find that it is like going from winter to spring in your life.  You will become more creative; have better ideas; and feel better each day.

                I am not saying that we should pretend that everything is just a big joke.  As I said, we do live in a world filled with problems and difficult things to deal with.  What I am saying is we cannot allow these things to steal our dreams or our happiness.  You have control.  Be a bit less serious and a lot more effective. 

To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey