We may have to learn all over again. Or perhaps there’s been little to laugh about unless it’s cynical. On the other hand did you find a smile and frequent laughter is a great place to hide?
Now we’re getting into nuance. The older one gets the easier it is to hide. By the time one turns 6 it’s become an art form. Give them what they expect then live the life you want. We learn much later we are labeled as passive aggressive. Be careful not to be caught, you’ve seen others standing in their truth. They have been named rebellious and once that happens they are branded forever and they (whoever they are) will question your motives from here on in.
Do you think that may be a true statement for you? This feels like a topic that could expand itself into a page. It doesn’t appear to be a one off.
I can pinpoint the first time in memory I cried but can’t say the same for laughter.
Smiling though, is another thing altogether. Babies smile a lot, but is it just gas? Do babies own the complex neuro capabilities to bring a smile to their sweet little faces and if so from what age. A smile is a signal that one understands and accepts and even likes the connection in whatever the baby is experiencing, or Is it reflexive?
Perhaps laughing groups actually do make a genuine laugh. It’s rather nerve racking to attend one of those groups. Nothing is funny at the beginning it’s just plain weird. Suddenly I’m laughing at you laughing at me. Maybe we need more of that. It becomes honest then. Sometimes it turns into a belly laugh. Crying and belly laughter are essentially the same. You have no control once you start and often involves tears. It gets scary again when it’s time to stop, who goes first and how does it feel when your the Last One in the room still laughing. Care to speculate how that might be?
I will leave you with that, and just to say check it out as you go about your day. Keep on smiling!
Oh, and welcome to this space, comments and or dialogue are very welcome here.
Refocus Advanced Recovery 