Are you taking your job or personal life too seriously? Most people are! It is time we brought a little laughter into our lives so that our careers, personal relationships and health can take a dramatic turn for the better.

Too often we are overly critical, unappreciative, excessively demanding of others, and unrelenting in our search for error, rather than seeking out what is good in others. We whine at every problem or situation rather than finding a reason to take challenges in stride with perspective and a sense of humor. In our quest to improve the bottom line, we have lost touch with the human side of doing business.

In order to change our attitude, here are some perceptions and reflections on living. Let us call them lessons of the heart.

A Healing Personality.
Our attitude towards problems and situations is often too grim. Every opportunity we get we should find a reason to laugh. Some will say that is not possible with the challenges we face, but laughter is healing. It will help the problems go away. Simply stated, pain is inevitable, misery is an option. How we choose to deal with the pain is up to us.

Here is a story that poignantly illustrates the point: When I was in a hospital cardiac care unit recovering from a heart attack, I went from room to room trying to bring a little laughter to my fellow patients. There was one very lovely woman about 80 years old who unfortunately was dying from heart disease. I would visit her often, and we would tell stories and laugh together. I would suggest that we should sneak out of this place and go dancing. She never failed to smile and laugh. Before I left the hospital, she had this final comment for me: "You know of course that I am dying, but that's all right, my time has come. Thank you for making me laugh. You have made it easier." Even in death, you can find laughter. Seek out the best in people and don't be afraid to laugh at yourself and your challenges. Your life will be much richer and more fulfilling.

Friendship.
Nurture your friendships. They are the most priceless possession you own. Your best friends may be your spouse, children, neighbors, colleagues, or school buddies. Whomever they are, they make your life worth living. Through your friendships you can share love, compassion, support, and laughter. Don't be afraid to hug your friends-we all know the difference between sexual harassment and a hug of friendship. Give someone a hug today. You will feel good and they will feel good.

Courtesy.
Unfortunately, it seems that simple acts of courtesy and kindness are less than they have been in the past. Let's go back to some old fashioned values. Here are just a few examples: If you set an appointment, keep it. If you can't keep it because you got run over by a truck, have the courtesy to call with your apology. If someone has applied to your company for a position, have the courtesy to respond and tell them yes or no. These people are facing difficult challenges and your avoidance is rude and inconsiderate. Promptly return phone calls. Make overwhelming use of the words "Job Well Done", "Please", and "Thank You".

Self-esteem.
Believe in yourself. No matter who you are, how much money you have, where you live, or what your profession is, you are a special person. Don't let anyone take that away from you. Develop a zest for living. It is a gift that you can give others-don't be afraid to give it.

Balance.
Are you a super executive with no time in your life for yourself or your friends and family. If you are, than you don't have your priorities straight. Find the time to enjoy life. Seek out the balance between work and play. Love your spouse, watch your children grow, enjoy your friendships and you will be amazed at how the world becomes a better place. You will suddenly be able to stop whining and start laughing.

Faith.
This is not necessarily a formal religious faith, but that doesn't hurt either. Develop an inner strength and conviction. It will enable you to cope with challenges, laugh at adversity, and achieve success beyond your wildest imaginations. It is sort of like "The Force" in Star Wars. It is within you. You just have to let it emerge and guide you through your life.

Finding a reason to laugh isn't so hard. Take the time to find it. Your health, career, personal life, and all the other lives around you, will be better off for it.

Don Straits is a professional speaker on humor, health and positive living. He also assists executives in their search for new personally rewarding career positions. His presentation: "Humor, Heart and Health: A Prescription for Living" has touched the hearts of thousands in his audiences. For information on this speech or his career search programs, you can contact him at 6345 Barton Road, Loomis, CA 95650. Phone or Fax: (916) 660-0220. Email: DonStraits@aol.com

Copyright 1997 Don Straits - All Rights Reserved

Publication or reproduction is permissible provided acknowledgment with contact information is included.

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