Strolling Through The Park…

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Most mornings, I walk through my neighborhood park for both exercise and a way to positively jumpstart my day. I used to begin each day listening to local, national, and international news. Depressing news does not lend itself to a great starting point for retaining sanity or humor.

The park is well-maintained and safe. It’s become a space for seniors, athletes, and families with young children to interact, exercise, and feel positively connected. Simple greetings from other walkers often evolve into daily interactions. We laugh at the ducks and geese as they guide their offspring from newly hatched until the goslings start scampering around searching for food. Sometimes it’s laughable watching the protectiveness of the mothers because there are still predators, both the human ones and the larger circling prey.

-One day, I stopped to watch a woman who was fly fishing with her husband. She was struggling to land what seemed like a large fish while he offered laughable suggestions. Eavesdropping, I recognized their camaraderie and humorous banter. Ultimately, she captured the sizable fish only to release it back into the water.

I asked her why go to all that effort just to return the fish to its natural habitat. She took off her hat, and I was looking into the smiling face of the former social work administrator I’d gotten to know when my mother was in the nursing home. Forgetting about the fish, we hugged and chatted about what we’ve been up to since last seeing each other.

In her retirement, she’s chosen to enjoy the relaxation of simple things versus the hectic pace of caring for seniors and their families. Now, whenever I see her and her husband, we stop to chat and laugh about her catch.

These Humorous interludes with her and other walkers serve as a catalyst for connecting with strangers. We share laughter, smiles, and kind words that kickstart the day, take us out of whatever less-than-hopeful situations we might be experiencing. Intentionally choosing humor or joy is a critical mindset during a time when global events can and do drag our spirits down.

I tell myself and others: choose joy. Find something that amuses you. Laugh. Smile at strangers. Maintain a sense of humor.

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Dr. Joyce Brown

Joyce A. Brown is a motivational speaker and author who uses her creative energy to give voice and meaning to the challenges women face in all walks of life. She grew up in Rockford, Illinois, in a household of strong women, but her professional career expanded her reach into Peoria and Battle Creek, Michigan. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and has served as a direct services worker, executive director, program director for a major foundation, and entrepreneur. Joyce has experienced many uplifting moments as a professional and as a dedicated parent and strives to bring those events and lessons to life through her characters in the contemporary fiction novels she pens. Visit her Author’s Page